Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Security Council Briefing On the Situation in Haiti

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Helen La Lime for her briefing and efforts in Haiti. I also welcome the participation of the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic and the Permanent Representatives of Haiti and Canada.
 
Haiti faces exacerbating insecurity, humanitarian turmoil, and an economic downturn. The Security Council and international community must renew solidarity with the people of Haiti. We also need to increase support for their efforts to overcome the multifaceted crisis, restore the rule of law, and achieve long-term stability.
 
Japan is particularly concerned about the widespread gang violence and criminal activities, which have also exacerbated humanitarian and economic difficulties. Therefore, the restoration of a minimum level of order is a top priority. In this context, we express support for the sanctions introduced by resolution 2653 as a means to help bring security and stability in Haiti, and encourage the Panel of Experts to visit the country as soon as possible. We also take note of the Secretary-General’s call for the deployment of an international specialized armed force, and are ready to engage in the Council’s discussions to find a way to support relevant initiatives.
 
The primary responsibility to restore and maintain security, however, rest with the Haitian authorities. The Haitian National Police (HNP) must be further empowered and equipped to carry out their duties with the support of the international community. For its part, Japan has contributed to the UN basket fund, which has been spearheaded by Canada and the US, in support of the HNP.
 
Japan is also gravely concerned about the rapid spread of cholera for the past months, which has affected vulnerable people, especially children. To help address the crisis, Japan decided to extend an emergency grant aid of 3 million US dollars earlier this month through international humanitarian organizations.
 
It is also imperative to enhance Haiti’s socio-economic resilience to achieve immediate and mid-to-long term stability in the country and communities. It is critical to ensure human security through protecting and empowering populations, including women, youth, and people in vulnerable situations. In particular, efforts should center around building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions to deliver basic services. Japan has over the years invested in people and institutions in Haiti to enhance the country’s self-reliance, including its long-time support for the build-up of medical facilities since the devastating earthquake in 2010.
 
All such efforts, however, need to be underpinned by political unity in the country. Japan supports the efforts of the Haitian government towards forging an inclusive agreement among all political and civil sectors in Haiti, particularly the signing of the 21^st December agreement. We expect this endeavor to make further progress to achieve a broader consensus. Japan calls upon all Haitian stakeholders to join the process and promote dialogue to restore law and order, and to find a path for restoring democratic institutions through free, fair, and transparent elections. We reaffirm growing importance of good offices by the UN including BINUH and expect its further efforts to encourage constructive dialogues.
 
To conclude, Japan reiterates its commitment to continuing to support Haiti's efforts to overcome their unprecedented challenges.