Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC briefing on BINUH - April 26th, 2023

Mister President,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to SRSG Maria Isabel Salvador in her first briefing to this Council and express our appreciation for her work and thank her for her comprehensive report. I also thank for her brieging Ms. Waly of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. I welcome the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Haiti, Jean Geneus, and of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Alvarez. I also welcome the participation in this meeting of the Permanent Representative of Canada.

Mister President,

The security landscape in Haiti remains fraught with challenges. The escalation of gang violence has become increasingly alarming, with state authorities mostly failing to mount an adequate response. The police face daunting odds as they attempt to combat gangs that are targeting police infrastructure and recruiting minors.

It is appalling that the gangs are extending their control on a large part of Port au Prince, significantly worsening the dire multidimensional crisis affecting the country. As a result, Haiti is grappling with high levels of internal displacement, a sharp increase in food insecurity, and limited access to essential services, such as education and healthcare.

The prevailing political stalemate, coupled with the humanitarian and security crises, has created a vicious cycle in Haiti, in which one crisis reinforces the other.

A breakthrough in the political dialogue between the government and the opposition is therefore essential. At present, Haiti lacks any democratically elected government representatives. Failing to address this legitimacy vacuum could potentially plunge the nation into a more severe crisis with unpredictable consequences.

As we stated in our meeting last January, we took positive note of the initiative launched on 21 December to build a national consensus for an inclusive transition and transparent elections. We also expressed hope that it would represent the beginning of a comprehensive process of national unity.

Since then, some positive steps have been taken to implement the agreement, such as the investiture of the High Transitional Council and the recent appointment of judges to fill vacant seats in the "Court de Cassation". Restoring the rule of law is of the utmost importance to enable the Haitian people to fully exercise their political and civil rights.

We encourage intensified efforts to ensure a broad and inclusive national political dialogue in order to forge a wider consensus, so that institutional normalcy can be reestablished and elections are organized.

Mister President,

Brazil is deeply concerned with the fact that incipient advances in the political process can be jeopardized if the deterioration of the security situation is not curbed. The control of gang activities is necessary for creating conditions that enable the organization of credible elections. Brazil stands ready to engage with Council members and other stakeholders to discuss on how to respond to these challenges.

We must also ensure that political and economic groups do not exploit the humanitarian crisis for their petty interests in Haiti. We remain hopeful that the sanctions regime adopted last October, by helping to break the link between the political and economic power and the Haitian gangs, will facilitate a peaceful political understanding between key actors in the country and eventually lead to a solution to this vicious circle. We call upon the Security Council Sanctions Committee on Haiti to expeditiously initiate its deliberations to impose sanctions with the full backing of the international community.

Brazil firmly believes that Haiti's path to change extends beyond controlling criminal activities. Socio-economic progress is vital for effectively and sustainably addressing the crisis. Haiti remains a priority for Brazilian international cooperation. We appeal to the international community to strengthen efforts to foster economic and social development, thereby preventing Haiti from relapsing into violence.

Mister President,

In closing, we urge all Haitian political actors to deepen their dialogue and to work towards organizing safe and fair elections. Haitian-led solutions can

only materialize if Haitian stakeholders engage in good faith and in spirit of compromise.

Brazil has a historic contribution to the promotion of peace and stability in Haiti and continues committed to supporting the country, particularly in these challenging times.

And I thank you.