Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council Briefing on Haiti

Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I appreciate SRSG Ms. Salvador’s insightful remarks. I would also like to express my gratitude to Ms. Russell, Ms. Waly and Ms. Manigat for their informative briefings and extend a warm welcome to the representatives of Haiti, as well as representatives of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
 
We are deeply concerned about the ongoing violence and human rights violations by gangs as well as the emergence of vigilante groups. This undermines access to basic services including water, food, and healthcare and further deteriorates the humanitarian situation.
 
In this regard, we are pleased that the Council was able to come together and authorize the deployment of the MSS Mission to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police (HNP). We hope that this deployment will re-establish security in Haiti and build security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections. For the Mission to be successful, it is imperative that participating countries have a deep understanding of its mandate and the situation on the ground. The appropriate command and operational structure is also important. We once again call upon Member States to contribute and share their experiences and expertise to ensure the Mission is well-prepared. Japan, on its part, will also actively engage with the international community and spare no effort to ensure the effective and successful operation of the MSS.
 
Japan believes that, in parallel with the efforts for rapid deployment of the MSS, it is also essential to continue to strengthen the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and to provide humanitarian assistance to the Haitian people. In light of the worsening situation in Haiti, Japan has been supporting HNP and provided humanitarian assistance over the last year, amounting to 12 million US dollars.
 
I also would like to stress that sustainable peace and security in Haiti can only be achieved by the Haitian people themselves. It is crucial, therefore, for all Haitian stakeholders to engage in dialogue, gather wisdom, agree upon security solution, policies, constitutional, and electoral reforms. In this context, we welcome the High Transitional Council's plan to engage further in inter-Haitian dialogue to broaden consensus. We look forward to further progress.
 
I would also like to emphasize the importance of building resilient institutions for the peace and security to be sustainable. To restore the rule of law, it is necessary to strengthen the police, corrections, and justice systems. Moreover, it is not only the institutions that need to be resilient but society as well. The establishment of peace and mediation committees is one of concrete measures to restabilize the society in Haiti. We hope that the people of Haiti, including women, will actively engage in their communities and networks and can play a vital role in mediation, peacebuilding and more.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan commends the cooperation of BINUH and the UN country team to support such Haitian efforts. We are also encouraged by their close collaboration with regional organizations like OAS and CARICOM. It will lead to greater synergy and more effective impact through sharing their knowledge and expertise.
 
Japan is fully committed to supporting Haiti's efforts and to working with Haiti and the international community for Haiti to achieve long-term security and stability.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.