United Nations: The UN Security Council yesterday expressed “deep concern” over the deteriorating crises in Haiti, condemning the continued gang violence and calling for solidarity with the Haitian people.
In a press statement, members of the Security Council reiterated their deep concern over the ongoing and deteriorating political, economic, security, human rights, humanitarian, and acute food insecurity and nutrition crises in Haiti, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access. They reaffirmed the international community’s commitment to continue supporting the people of Haiti.
The council members strongly condemned the continued destabilizing criminal activities of armed gangs. They stressed the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the population and to support the Haitian National Police, including building its capacity to restore law and order through the Multinational Security Support Mission.
In particular, they strongly condemned reports that an armed gang killed at least 184 people between Dec 6 and 8 in the Wharf Jeremie neighborhood in the capital of Port-au-Prince.
The council members emphasized creating security conditions conducive to an inclusive political process and free and fair elections in Haiti. They encouraged the mission to accelerate its deployment and support it.
The council members reiterated their condemnation and deep concern over the profound gravity and rising numbers of abuses committed against children in Haiti, recalled the importance of ensuring the protection of children and urged all actors, especially gangs and criminal networks, to immediately end and prevent all abuses against children.
Moreover, the council members expressed concern about the slow progress on Haiti’s road map for restoring democratic institutions. They emphasized the importance of urgent progress in the political transition. They urged all political actors to engage constructively, facilitate and progress the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections, and restore democratic institutions as soon as possible.
The council members also expressed grave concern at the continued illicit flow of arms and ammunition to Haiti, which remains a key factor of instability and violence and called for necessary measures to implement the arms embargo.– NNN-XINHUA