The United Kingdom voted in favour of this resolution to continue the important work of the Special Political Mission, BINUH, in Haiti. We thank the penholders for their efforts.
President, last year this Council authorised increased security support and a Gang Suppression Force in Haiti. Today’s resolution complements this, with continued UN focus on the political track.
The political situation is particularly sensitive and critical right now.
We echo the words of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ruiz Massieu, who has stressed that now is not the time for political manoeuvring, and we call upon Haitian politicians to put the people of Haiti first.
This includes breaking the political impasse, agreeing governance arrangements upon expiry of the Transitional Presidential Council on 7 February, and concrete steps towards free, fair, and safe elections.
President, we are pleased that this resolution maintains the mission’s existing resource on protection of women and children.
These groups are particularly vulnerable to the extreme levels of violence in Haiti, including violence which targets women and girls because of their gender.
We are also clear that a political process in Haiti must be inclusive.
We expect the mission to continue its work promoting the full, equal, safe, and meaningful participation of women and its engagement with women’s civil society organisations.