Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Madam President,
I also thank SRSG Ruiz Massieu, GSF Special Representative Christofides, and ASG Kroslak for their briefings.
Madam President,
as we have heard, Haiti’s multifaceted crisis must remain high on this Council’s agenda. While some progress has been made, it is clear that much more is required.
Allow me to make three points.
First, tackling Haiti’s security crisis and preventing further gang expansion must be a priority.
Like others, we are extremely concerned by reports of the four Salvadoran soldiers that have gone missing yesterday after they came under ambush by suspected gang members east of Port-au-Prince. We express our full support and solidarity for the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The Secretary General’s latest report shows continued spread of gang violence, with multiple attacks and massacres reported outside the capital. We recall the appalling gang attack in Kenscoff in August which underscores the absolute urgency of addressing this scourge.
Since then, the Council has renewed the Gang Suppression Force and UN Support Office mandates. We welcome progress in further deployments, and commend Member States that have pledged their support.
We also welcome the expansion of the GSF beyond Port-au-Prince, with the establishment of an operational presence in Gonaïves.
Members of the European Union are doing our part through a 10-million-euro contribution with the OAS for five Forward Operating Bases to assist the security efforts across the country.
It is imperative that all efforts to establish security in Haiti are undertaken in strict compliance with international law. The GSF must operate under the highest standards of conduct and discipline.
Last week’s renewal of the UN sanctions regime remains critical to address the cycle of violence and crime. Denmark reiterates the need for its full implementation.
Second,
Denmark remains alarmed by Haiti’s dire humanitarian and human rights crisis.
Internal displacement continues to rise due to families fleeing violence, while more than half of Haiti’s population needs humanitarian assistance.
Shocking levels of violence are inflicted on the population, particularly women and girls, who are subjected to horrific sexual violence.
We condemn these acts in the strongest terms and call for the urgent scaling-up of humanitarian aid and funding for Haiti’s humanitarian response plan.
We are alarmed by the number of children recruited and used by gangs which has risen by a staggering 200% since 2025. Once recruited, these children face threats of retaliation, stigma, and violence.
We welcome the preparations for a comprehensive national programme made by Haiti’s National Commission for Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration. More resources and support must be provided for this effort to prevent further recruitment.
Third,
Haiti’s political transition is Haitian-led and owned, and progresses in a manner that ensures its legitimacy and sustainability.
We take note of the decree by the Provisional Electoral Council postponing the electoral campaign pending the publication of an updated electoral calendar.
Denmark is very concerned that the new electoral decree allows sanctioned individuals to stand for elections.
It is fundamental that robust vetting and safeguards are in place to ensure candidates running for office do so for the benefit of their country and are not beholden to malign interests.
An inclusive transition through representative credible elections is the only legitimate path to restoring constitutional order and democratic institutions.
We call on the Haitian Authorities to do more to address the systemic impunity that has continued to erode public trust in State institutions.
In closing,
Let me reiterate Denmark’s steadfast support to the people of Haiti, who have suffered way too long. The authorities, with the continued support of the international community, must pave the way for the peaceful and prosperous future they deserve.
Thank you.
