France remains concerned by the situation in Haiti [fr]

I thank Ms Maria Isabel Salvador, Ms Ghada Waly and Ms Tirana Hassan for their briefings. I would also like to thank the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as Saint Lucia and Kenya, for being with us this morning.

France remains concerned by the situation in Haiti. The Secretary-General’s latest report is damning. It confirms the serious nature of the crisis, which calls for a global response.

Firstly, in terms of security, I would like to reiterate France’s support for the deployment of a multinational security support mission for the Haitian national police, which must be deployed as quickly as possible and in accordance with United Nations standards. To that end, France gave a contribution of €3 million to the dedicated trust fund, as well as €850,000 for French- and Creole-language training for police officers on the multinational mission via the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, in addition to our direct support to the Haitian police.

The establishment of a Council sanctions regime on Haiti must also contribute to containing the actions of those destabilizing the country. France hopes that these sanctions will cover all those who contribute to the worsening of the security situation, particularly those who cooperate with gangs or are involved in illegal trafficking.

At the political level, France supports the government’s efforts to reach a political agreement towards the organization of of free and fair elections, and to restore the country’s institutions. An inclusive political dialogue is the only option to provide a lasting response to the challenges that Haiti is facing. We welcome the role of CARICOM and BINUH in facilitating this inter-Haitian political dialogue. This political response must bear in mind the need to protect human rights and the fight against impunity.

Finally, on the humanitarian front, France is alarmed by the worsening living conditions of the Haitian population. This is why France has granted 13.5 million euros in humanitarian aid for 2023, including 11 million euros in food aid.

In all of these areas, I would like to pay tribute to the support provided by all actors: civil society, United Nations teams - I would like to pay tribute to the work of BINUH on this occasion - and the countries of the region, which are sparing no effort despite extremely difficult conditions. France will continue to support them.

Thank you very much.