Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC Briefing on the Report of the Security-Council on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti

Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank SRSG Ruiz Massieu for his briefing and warmly welcome him back to the Council.

Your role, as well as the role and mandate of BINUH, remain critical.

I also wish to welcome the Permanent Representatives of Haiti, Belize and the Dominican Republic to today’s meeting.

Mr. President,

Regrettably, the latest Secretary-General’s report once again paints a grim picture of the still deepening and multifaceted crisis in Haiti.

Despite the best efforts of the national authorities, particularly the Haiti National Police, supported by the MSS, the country continues to face worsening insecurity and the growing influence of armed gangs beyond the capital.

It is clear that, under such circumstances, sustainable progress on the humanitarian, human rights, and political fronts cannot be achieved without a significant improvement in the security situation.

However, regarding the efforts toward political progress, we encourage the authorities to remain steadfast in their commitment to creating the necessary conditions for inclusive and transparent elections.

We are convinced that only a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned solution – once security conditions permit – can lead to the full restoration of democratic institutions and economic recovery.

Mr. President,

Slovenia welcomes the recent adoption of the resolution authorizing the transition of the MSS into a new force and establishing UN Support Office, mandated to provide the necessary logistical and operational support to that force.

Together with the unanimous adoption of the sanctions resolution last week, we see this as a strong signal of the international community’s continued support for the restoration of peace, security, and stability in Haiti.

Going forward, it will be vital to ensure that the operations of the GSF – as well as those of the state law enforcement – are conducted in full compliance with international human rights standards.

Furthermore, alongside security operations, complementary efforts by the Haitian authorities, with support from BINUH, should focus on strengthening the criminal justice sector, including the penitentiary system, and on promoting initiatives that facilitate disengagement from armed gangs.

This should include the operationalization of the special judicial units for the prosecution of mass crimes and sexual and gender-based violence, with a view to ending impunity and ensuring accountability, as well as advancing DDR efforts, particularly for children.

Mr. President,

This brings me to my final point.

We remain deeply concerned by the Secretary-General’s observation that women and children continue to bear the brunt of the humanitarian and human rights crisis.

They continue to face not only horrific abuses, but also severe deprivation and limited access to clean water, food, healthcare, and other basic services.

This dire situation is further exacerbated by record levels of internal displacement – with children accounting for half of the displaced – which contributes to catastrophic levels of acute hunger affecting more than half of the Haitian population, particularly the most vulnerable.

In this regard, we reiterate our call for immediate, full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, as well as for urgent contributions to the critically underfunded Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

To conclude, let me reaffirm Slovenia’s unwavering solidarity with the Haitian people, whose best interests will continue to guide us in the remaining work in the Council and beyond.

I thank you.

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