UNITED NATIONS – Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean Victor Geneus said says that restoring public order and security are among the Haitian Government’s top priorities.
In addressing the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate, Geneus said finding broad consensus for peaceful governance, holding democratic elections and socioeconomic development to improve people’s lives are also among the government’s priorities.
“Haiti is at a crossroads,” he said, adding that the people of the French-speaking Caribbean country are experiencing “a multidimensional crisis compounded by insecurity that endangers democracy and the rule of law”.
Noting the violence wrought by armed gangs, he said efforts are needed to improve police capacity and working conditions, referring to Council resolution 2645 (2022) in that regard.
The Foreign Affairs Minister called upon more governments to contribute to the basket fund used to financially aid the Haitian police, emphasising that continued solidarity is needed.
“I engaged in immediate dialogue with all sectors to build consensus for peace and effective governance during the interim period,” he said, stressing that the primary goal for Haiti’s transitional period is re-establishment of democratic institutions through “free, transparent and inclusive elections and constitutional reform”, and welcoming support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organization of La Francophonie and the United Nations.
While defending the right to freedom of expression and the right to protest, Geneus condemned looters and vandals that carried out attacks on churches and schools.
“Good governance goes hand in hand with the fight against corruption, smuggling and trafficking,” he said.
Committed to government budgetary discipline and public revenue management, Geneus said Haiti has entered into a staff monitored program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He said the government has also has begun implementing major reforms in the customs sector with the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Recalling the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, Geneus promised justice for Moïse, his family and the Haitian people, and thanked international partners in solving this transnational crime.
“However, many more crimes committed in Haiti remain unpunished,” he said, adding that the country’s insecure climate relates directly to human rights violations. (CMC)
