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Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, issued a stark call for immediate international action at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday. Addressing the severe challenges facing his country, Jean-Baptiste highlighted the toll of gang violence, political instability, and economic hardships while underscoring Haiti’s ongoing efforts to overcome these obstacles.
Despite Haiti’s challenges, he pointed to some progress, including the completion of the electoral council, which he described as a key step toward inclusive elections. He also emphasized the significant participation of women in these processes, reflecting the country’s commitment to building inclusive institutions.
Jean-Baptiste praised the Haitian National Police (PNH) for their resilience in the face of limited resources. He credited their “unwavering bravery” with preventing Port-au-Prince from falling entirely into gang control. The minister also expressed gratitude for the support of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission and acknowledged Guatemala and El Salvador’s contributions to efforts against armed gangs. “Their presence is critical to combating violence,” Jean-Baptiste stated.
Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez echoed the urgency of the situation, underscoring its impact on the Dominican Republic and the region. Álvarez expressed concern about ongoing violence in Haiti, citing the recent massacre by the gang Gran Grif in Pont Sonde, which left at least 70 dead, and another attack in December that killed over 200 people, many accused of witchcraft.
Álvarez condemned any proposals to include criminal gangs in a transitional Haitian government, calling such suggestions “inadmissible” and a threat to the region’s stability. “This attempt to legitimize criminal organizations dishonors the victims and undermines efforts to restore peace in Haiti,” he said.
He also addressed the role of illicit arms trafficking in fueling Haiti’s unrest. He highlighted measures taken by the Dominican Republic to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the smuggling of weapons and ammunition, including police officers. The minister called for stronger international cooperation to stem the flow of arms to gangs in Haiti.
Both ministers emphasized the need for sustained international collaboration to address Haiti’s crisis. Jean-Baptiste called for increased support from the global community, while Álvarez reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to supporting United Nations-led efforts to stabilize Haiti.
The Security Council agreed to continue monitoring the crisis closely, with a particular focus on the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and other initiatives aimed at fostering peace and security in the region.
The session highlighted the shared responsibility for regional stability and emphasized the need for urgent, collective action to address the crisis in Haiti.
