Discorso pronunciato dall’ Italia al dibattito in Consiglio di Sicurezza sulla situazione ad Haiti. —
Mr. President,
I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General Ms. Honore’ for her substantive briefing and for her commendable service. Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered shortly by the Permanent Representative of the European Union.
Mr. President,
In recent months, Haiti has continued its path to consolidate stability and constitutional order, thereby confirming the Council’s decision to better adjust to the present needs of the Country by withdrawing MINUSTAH and replacing it with MINUJUSTH.
As this Council witnessed during its mission last June, Haiti is at a crossroads. A constructive collaboration between the Government and the Parliament and an inclusive dialogue with civil society are now crucial to implement the reform agenda jointly adopted by the Executive and the Legislative as well as for the development of a shared national vision for the Country’s future. We encourage the Haitian Government to continue on this path. We welcome the start of a thoughtful assessment of the Constitution and emphasize in particular the importance of a consensual and effective reform of the electoral system.
With the assistance of MINUSTAH, the Haitian National Police has achieved remarkable results on which it must now build. We welcome the priority assigned by the Authorities to its consolidation which remains an essential pillar of the security and stability in the Country. Efforts must be redoubled to address weaknesses in the rule of law and justice system with a special focus on the independence of the judiciary, the corrections system’s reform, the reduction of women’s vulnerability and their increased participation in the political and socioeconomic life of the country. MINUJUSTH’s assistance will focus rightfully on these sectors.
We highly appreciate the Secretary-General’s commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts in the fight against cholera. We welcome the adoption last week by the General Assembly of a Resolution on this subject, which Italy co-sponsored.
Mr. President,
Italy remains convinced that this transition from MINUSTAH to MINUJUSTH is a due response to the evolution of the Country’s needs. This Council’s mission testified the strong engagement of the United Nations and the international community to continue supporting Haiti.
Building on the results achieved by MINUSTAH, MINUJUSTH will have targeted tools adjusted to the present conditions on the ground and to the specific challenges the Haitian authorities are tackling.
This transition must be well planned and responsible. So far MINUSTAH withdrawal hasn’t affected the overall security situation; we invite the Secretary General to continue to follow this process with special attention and to keep the Council duly informed.
It is essential to ensure continuity and to identify as of now a strategy to progressively transfer competences to the Country team, whose role will be strengthened, and ultimately to Haitian authorities. We invite the Secretary General to continue this planning effort on the basis of the integrated approach highlighted in his report and aimed at cutting the link between the Country’s chronicle instability and the structural weakness of rule of law and human rights.
I would like to underscore the political strategy underlying MINUJUSTH priorities outlined by the Secretary General. We fully share the pivotal role assigned to the Mission’s political pillar and to its good offices as well as the intention to put in place a mobile and integrated Mission deployment throughout the Country in order to maximize its impact while keeping its light footprint.
The UN action in Haiti attests to the need to ensure coherence between supporting the political process, keeping peace and promoting development and human rights. In this respect, Haiti will represent a test and reference model of this Council’s ability to handle the transition. Based on a recognition of the close connection that exists among prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding and comply with the criteria of effectiveness, clear mandates and a well-timed sustainable exit strategy. Such an effort requires the involvement of the entire UN system and the resort to all the tools at its disposal to assure peace, avoid relapses into conflict and trigger lasting development. In Haiti we have the opportunity to show the value of this strategy, which is in line with the wider peace and security reform that Italy shares and supports.
Mr. President,
In conclusion Italy has a longstanding relation of friendship and solidarity with Haiti. We will continue to support its development as a member of this Council and of the United Nations as well as within the European Union and at bilateral level.
I thank you.
