Statement by H.E. Ambassador Koro Bessho
Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Debate of the United Nations Security Council
On the Question Concerning Haiti
11 October 2016
Mr. President,
I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her thorough briefing. Japan commends the SRSG and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti for their continued support for Haiti’s reconstruction, stability, and security, including institutional improvements which will make Haiti more resilient over the long-term.
I would like to take a moment to mention the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew. Japan expresses its deep sorrow and continued solidarity with the Haitian people, and thanks MINUSTAH as well as donor countries and institutions for their important emergency support. Japan is also joining in the humanitarian effort by supplying emergency relief goods and providing support via the Japanese Food Assistance Programme.
In light of the severe damage caused by the hurricane, we understand that it was inevitable to postpone the 9 October elections. We look forward to an announcement of a new electoral calendar by 12 October. Much progress has been made on electoral preparations prior to the hurricane, and we have high hopes for a fair, transparent, and smooth election once the situation subsides. Let me be direct. Public and international trust depend on this.
Mr. President,
Beyond the disaster response, the fruits of MINUSTAH’s efforts are visible across society today. We see them in the SRSG’s use of her good offices in support of elections and restoration of constitutional order. We see them in community violence reduction programs, improved criminal justice procedure, and responses to criminal gangs. And we see them in security sector reform support to the Haitian National Police on patrols, the rule of law, community policing, and development of the 2017-2021 strategic plan.
We are pleased that the capacity of the Haitian National Police has been enhanced and believe that a professional and nationally owned security sector will enable Haiti to better stand on its own. In this regard, we look forward to recommendations by the Secretary-General on the future UN role in Haiti based on a strategic assessment over the course of the six-month extension of MINUSTAH’s mandate.
Mr. President,
I would also like to touch on the cholera issue which has plagued Haiti for too long. This is likely to worsen due to the hurricane. We believe that, in the long term, the best measures against maladies like cholera are poverty reduction and improved infrastructure, with a focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene. Japan has been supporting the reconstruction of Haiti, especially the enhancement of cholera prevention via international institutions and will continue to make the utmost efforts in this regard.
Mr. President,
Over the long-term, our partnership with Haiti is based on national ownership of state building processes, including elections. The hurricane has brought new challenges, but we are confident that the Haitian people will overcome them. Ultimately, nationally led development and strengthened institutions will enable the country to weather any storm. Japan will be here to help along the way.
I thank you, Mr. President.
