The Organization of American States (OAS) is working on a draft resolution on security and humanitarian aid in Haiti, which it will try to have approved at its next regular session to be held in Washington from June 21 to 23, 2023.

The project contains the intention to increase the capacities and means of border and port security in Haiti, as well as the institutional strengthening and improvement of the operational capacity of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), through the provision of equipment thanks to contributions made through the United Nations Fund Collective.

The document stresses that the OAS will seek to eliminate the illicit trafficking of firearms, a problem that has an impact on the increase in crime and the control of gangs, in addition to kidnappings in Haiti.

What is stated in the draft resolution was approved by the Permanent Council at its regular meeting held on June 16, 2023. The text was forwarded to the plenary of the General Assembly for consideration.

The project, entitled "Immediate facilitation of security and humanitarian assistance and support for the protection of human rights and the strengthening of democracy in Haiti", will seek that OAS member States that are able to do so, prioritize, integrate, facilitate and provide immediate assistance and Haiti-specific funding on security and other issues.

The OAS will ask member states and observers, taking advantage of the consultations facilitated by the Thematic Group on Humanitarian Assistance of the Haiti Working Group, to focus and integrate their commitments and contributions in terms of humanitarian assistance to those that supply international partners.

"Invite member states and permanent observers to contribute to specific funds to provide assistance in the areas of human rights, electoral assistance and the strengthening of democracy in Haiti, for the immediate implementation of the activities that the Haiti Task Force has identified, with technical assistance from the Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity and the Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy," the document points out.

HL/ HaitiLibre