Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
July 14, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, colleagues.
The United States continues to stand with the people of Haiti in their time of need. As Secretary Blinken recently told the CARICOM plenary, we are working with our partners to “help the Haitian people shape their futures and restore the country’s democratic order.”
Today’s re-authorization of BINUH’s mandate is an important step toward these goals. And the United States was proud to vote for this resolution, and to work closely with our co-penholder Ecuador to achieve a consensus text.
BINUH continues to be a positive force in Haiti. It continues to support the Haitian National Police and address gang violence that has plagued the Haitian people.
This resolution encourages Member States to provide security support to the Haitian National Police through deployment of a specialized force acknowledging Haiti’s repeated calls for help from the international community.
This mandate renewal also asks the Secretary-General to submit a written report outlining all the ways the United Nations can enhance the security situation in Haiti. This includes the potential for a peacekeeping operation, police training, or a non-UN multinational force. The United States looks forward to the Secretary-General’s recommendations on how to do that most effectively.
We also appreciate that this strengthened mandate seeks to address Haiti’s humanitarian and political challenges. We look forward to BINUH’s engagement with the government and other stakeholders to tackle these crises, which compound the ongoing security challenges.
Colleagues, let’s be clear: our work is far from finished. Adoption of this mandate is a positive step, but we must do more. The United States will continue to work with the BINUH, the Haitian government, and the international community to drive progress forward and help the Haitian people secure a more just and peaceful future. We urge all Council members – and all Member States – to join us.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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