Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, on Haiti - January 24th, 2023
Mr. President,
I would like to thank SRSG Helen La Lime for her comprehensive briefing. I also recognize the presence of Roberto Álvarez Gil, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.
Since our last meeting in December, there has been little progress on the security situation in Haiti, which remains as challenging and worrisome as before. Gangs continue to control and paralyze a large part of Port au Prince, significantly worsening the dire multidimensional crisis in which the country remains plunged. Additionally, the current outbreak of cholera is still posing significant risks to the Haitian population.
As we have been pointing out, the current political stalemate and the humanitarian and security crises in Haiti reinforce each other. As the last 10 remaining senators in Haiti’s parliament have officially left office this month, the country is currently without a single democratically elected government official. Brazil is concerned that this legitimacy vacuum, if not addressed, will trigger an even deeper crisis.
A breakthrough in the political dialogue between the government and the opposition is therefore fundamental to break this perverse cycle. We took positive note of the initiative launched on 21 December to build a national consensus for an inclusive transition and transparent elections. We are encouraged by this political initiative and hope it will represent the beginning of a comprehensive process of national unity. There is an urgent need to enlarge this consensus so that institutional normalcy can be reestablished in Haiti and elections organized.
Mr. President,
Political and economic groups willing to foment the humanitarian crisis for their narrow goals should not prevail in Haiti. In this context, we hope that the sanctions regime adopted last October will effectively establish targeted sanctions against those engaging in or supporting violence, irrespective of how powerful these individuals may be. As some members are already imposing unilateral sanctions against some Haitian individuals, we consider it is high time the Security Council Sanctions Committee on Haiti started its own deliberations, so that sanctions could be considered and imposed with the full force of the international community.
Regarding the options conveyed by the Secretary General in his 9 October letter to increase the security in Haiti and the appeal by the Haitian government to receive specialized armed support to help control the humanitarian crisis in the country, we look forward to engaging with Council members on means to move this concept forward.
Mr. President,
We all know that Haiti needs change that goes well beyond the control of criminal activities. Besides security measures, socio-economic progress in Haiti is essential for addressing this crisis in an effective and sustainable way. Haiti remains a top priority for Brazilian international cooperation projects and we urge the donor community to step up its efforts towards effectively fostering economic and social development, so that the country will not relapse into violence once the current crisis is curbed.
Mr. President,
In closing, Brazil would like to exhort, once again, all Haitian political actors to deepen the current dialogue, which will hopefully pave the way for safe and fair elections. Brazil believes in Haitian led solutions, which will only materialize if Haitian stakeholders accept to talk to each other and compromise.
From our part, I would like to underline that Haiti has been a priority for Brazil and will remain so. Brazil has a long-standing contribution to peace and stability in Haiti and continues fully committed to supporting the country, particularly in these challenging times.
I thank you.