21.01.2026 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Haiti

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Thank you, Mr. President,

I also thank Special Representative Massieu and Acting Executive Director Brandolino for their briefings.

As we begin the new year, 2026 must turn the tide on Haiti’s prolonged, multifaceted crisis, and set Haitians on the path to peace, stability and democracy.

Allow me to focus on three points.

First,

Tackling the security crisis is necessary for progress on all other fronts. Denmark welcomes the implementation of Resolution 2793 which established the ‘Gang Suppression Force’ aided by a UN Support Office.

We are hopeful that this will mark a turning point in Haiti’s fight against the gangs, and we welcome pledges of support by Member States. We reiterate that the GSF must operate with the highest standards of conduct and discipline, with robust oversight and transparency, and in strict compliance with international human rights law.

We also stress the need for significantly strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police, in line with the benchmarks set out by the UN. The focus must remain on paving the way for a transition of security responsibilities to national institutions.

We further underscore the urgency for judicial and prison reform. This is necessary to bring accountability for serious crimes and end rampant impunity. It must also address the high number of pre-trial detainees currently serving indefinite sentences in dangerously overcrowded prisons. Accelerated progress in setting up the two specialized judicial units to handle cases on human rights violations, corruption and financial crimes is paramount.

We underscore the importance of the full implementation of UN sanctions for Haiti - particularly the arms embargo - to stem the illicit flow of arms and ammunitions into the country.

Second,

Denmark remains alarmed by Haiti’s mounting humanitarian and human rights crises.

Internal displacement has reached more than 1.4 million people, aggravated by forced returns. Humanitarian needs are acute, and we call on Member States to support Haiti’s Humanitarian Response Plan.

Women and girls face disproportionate harm, particularly from widespread and persistent acts of sexual and gender-based violence. We call on the Haitian Authorities to take immediate and sustained action to prevent and address sexual violence and to ensure gender-responsive access to basic services for the survivors. 

Addressing grave violations against children should also be a priority. In light of the alarmingly high number of children recruited into gangs, ensuring safe exit, disarmament, dismantlement and reintegration is crucial. We believe the UN should take a larger role in coordinating, designing, and implementing DDR initiatives, and we call on the Haitian Government to urgently designate a national institution to lead on DDR to facilitate this cooperation.

Third,

On the political front, it is regretful that elections have not been held to instate a democratic government by the 7 February deadline.

National stakeholders must urgently find a common path forward to continue a political transition and preparations for elections, and guard against any challenges or threats to the transition.

Haiti’s political future must be Haitian-led and -owned, through a credible democratic inclusive process, with the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women, as well as youth, and civil society.

In closing,

In this fragile time, the role of BINUH will be indispensable for supporting Haitian authorities in facilitating civic dialogue and in the organisation of elections. Denmark expresses our full support for BINUH and looks forward to the renewal of its mandate at the end of the month.

Thank you.