Statement by Mr. Takeshi Akahori
Minister of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Debate on the Question Concerning Haiti
17 March 2016
Thank you, Mr. President,
I would like to begin by thanking Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her comprehensive briefing and for her leadership in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Japan welcomes the most recent report of the Secretary-General on MINUSTAH. It illustrates positive signals of progress and developments in Haiti with regard to the elections, the security situation and the strengthened capacity of municipal authorities.
The long-overdue elections in Haiti were held in a generally calm atmosphere last year in August and October. We note that through the electoral process, MINUSTAH was called upon to intervene only in a few cases. This attests to the increased capacity of the Haitian National Police which owes to the tireless work of MINUSTAH. Japan commends the Government of Haiti, MINUSTAH and the international community who have worked and are working together for the success of the elections.
However, the final round of voting has been postponed several times and is still pending. The elections are to mark an important milestone in the path towards stabilization and social and economic development in Haiti. With this conviction, Japan contributed 5.5 million dollars to the electoral process last year. Japan sincerely hopes that the final round will be carried out, in a fair, inclusive and smooth manner as scheduled on the 24th of April.
I listened carefully to the cautious vision on the still uncertain political schedule ahead expressed by SRSG. Japan calls on all relevant actors of Haiti to fully cooperate in the formation of a provisional government so that the Provisional Electoral Council can be re-launched officially. This is essential for the successful completion of the elections as scheduled.
Mr. President,
In the 12 years since the establishment of MINUSTAH, the situation in Haiti has produced positive changes. Its institutions have better capacity than before. However, much remains to be done. As many members mentioned, Haiti now needs assistance in strengthening the rule of law, protection of human rights, further institution building and development.
We believe that when significant progress is made by a UN mission, its size should be reduced and eventually the mission should withdraw in a successful manner.
In this regard, Japan appreciates that MINUSTAH and the United Nations Country Team are working on a Joint “Transition Plan” to transfer the Mission’s functions to the Government of Haiti or its partners.
Haiti is still a very fragile country and faces numerous challenges. The gains achieved by the Government, MINUSTAH and other partners achieved must be maintained and further enhanced. As SRSG Honoré stressed, the international community and the United Nations System should continue to support Haiti. We look forward to discussing on the future UN presence in Haiti, based on recommendations from the strategic assessment to be carried out by the Secretary-General at the most appropriate timing.
Mr. President,
Japan has contributed more than 200 million dollars towards the reconstruction and nation building of Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake. We also deployed 2,200 personnel of our Self Defense Forces to MINUSTAH.
To conclude, I would like to express Japan’s firm commitment to remain actively engaged in supporting the efforts of Haiti towards nation building.
I thank you, Mr. President.
