Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr President,
Denmark welcomes the adoption of the resolution renewing the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti and we thank the penholders for their efforts.
Denmark strongly supports the GSF and its goals to address the dire security situation in Haiti: to free the Haitian people from the violence and terror of the gangs.
The GSF, supported by the UN Support Office, has a robust mandate to counter gang operations and support the Haitian Authorities in establishing the rule of law.
We commend Member States who have pledged their support to the GSF and call for expedited deployment of contingents on the ground.
The restoration of democratic institutions through free, fair, and inclusive elections is imperative once security conditions are met.
We reiterate, as does this resolution, that the GSF must act with highest standards of transparency, conduct and discipline and in strict compliance with international law. We further recall the protections that must be afforded to children in all counter-gang operations.
Cutting off the gangs’ supply to arms and ammunitions remains critical in the fight to establish security and quell the violence. We reiterate the need for the full implementation of the UN arms embargo and sanctions regime.
Establishing security is only one part to ensure lasting stability in Haiti. We call on the Government of Haiti to redouble its efforts for establishing a functional justice and prison system to address systemic impunity and dangerous overcrowding. We also call for the continued advancing of nationally-owned DDR efforts.
In closing, Haiti is at a critical juncture.
The GSF deserves the backing of the UN and international community to put Haiti back on track to security, peace, and prosperity.
Denmark remains committed to working with all partners to this end.
Thank you.
