21.04.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Haiti
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Thank you, Mr. President,
And let me also thank Special Representative Salvador, National Security Advisor Juma, and Ms. Solages for their sobering briefings today. I also welcome His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, and the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Chamber this morning.
Mr. President,
As has been made clear in recent reports and the briefings here today, Haiti is running out of time.
Armed gangs continue to expand their arsenals and territory, with more than 85% of Port-au-Prince under their control. The fall of the capital into the hands of gangs is a possibility we cannot dismiss, and cannot allow.
Allow me to make three points.
First, establishing security must be prioritised.
The Haitian National Police continue to face heightened levels of violence, insecurity, and crumbling state authority.
To this end, Denmark strongly supports the Multinational Security Support mission, and we are in the final stages of approving a grant for the MSS via the UN Trust Fund.
However, in the face of this serious escalation, Denmark strongly believes there should be a greater UN involvement in Haiti. We thank the Secretary-General for his recommendations, and look forward to working with the Council on next steps.
Denmark also strongly supports the use of targeted sanctions to address gang violence, criminal activities and human rights abuses in Haiti. We call for greater implementation of the arms embargo, and new names added to the sanctions lists, including through the listing criterion for sexual and gender-based violence.
Second, Mr. President,
We must urgently address the dire human rights and humanitarian situations in Haiti.
Between January and March this year, more than 1500 people have been reported killed, with gang members displaying extreme brutality aimed to instil fear in the population.
As we have heard today from Ms. Solages, no one is spared from this violence. Women and girls are exposed to widespread sexual and gender-based violence, with horrific accounts of abductions, rape and executions.
According to UNICEF, grave violations against children in 2024 surged twelvefold from the previous year.
Such astounding violence demands more than our collective condemnation. There must be accountability for these crimes, which will require a strengthening of state institutions. The Haitian Government must work to build a cohesive criminal justice system, including strengthening the police, the judiciary, and corrections system to end widespread impunity.
Haitian Authorities must also implement stronger measures to ensure their operations comply with international human rights.
Meanwhile, Haiti’s humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate. 5.7 million people are acutely food insecure, with some even in famine-like conditions.
Humanitarian and health workers face frequent attacks, as gangs target hospitals and control essential roads, disrupting the flow of aid.
Denmark reiterates that humanitarian and health workers must never be a target. Ensuring their safety and security is crucial for their lifesaving work.
Third, Mr. President,
Haitians deserve progress on the political track.
Less than a year remains of the roadmap for the restoration of democratic institutions. Significant improvements in security must be made before the holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections.
We strongly urge the Transitional Presidential Council, Prime Minister and key stakeholders to work together, fight corruption, and prioritise the security and well-being of the Haitian people over personal gain. We condemn any attempt to replace the transitional arrangements by force.
Mr. President, in closing,
Our briefers have described a country engulfed in crisis and in need of urgent support.
This Council must work to match the urgency of this crisis with resolve. We must ensure Haiti remains high on our agenda. Denmark stands ready to work with all Council members to this end.
I thank you.