Statement by Ruiz Massieu, Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, on Monday, July 20, 2026 :

"[...] Haiti continues to face persistent insecurity, acute humanitarian needs and institutional challenges, with devastating consequences for its population. Yet, recent developments demonstrate that there still remains an opportunity to move the political transition forward, begin reversing the threat posed by gangs, and restore democratic governance. The challenge now is to sustain that momentum and translate it into tangible improvements for the Haitian people.

Madame President,

The transition stands at a critical moment.

The adoption of the revised electoral decree and the consensus reached on an electoral budget earlier this month are significant achievements that provide a basis for renewed momentum. The launch of voter registration today marks another important step forward. The next priority is clear: the adoption of a credible and realistic electoral calendar. Achieving this will require sustained cohesion among Haitian institutions, continued dialogue across the political spectrum, and a shared commitment to place the interests of the Haitian people above all else.

I am convinced that Haitian stakeholders can work together to advance the transition, create the conditions for credible elections, and restore the functioning of their democratic institutions.

Madame President,

In my ongoing consultations with political parties, civil society, youth and women's organizations, one message has been consistent: security is indispensable for credible elections.

Yet, security challenges must not become a reason to delay the political process. Electoral preparations and security improvements must advance together to sustain the momentum.

In this context, the full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, in support of national authorities, remains critical to foster a security environment conducive to the electoral process.

The United Nations is fully committed to accompanying these Haitian-led efforts. They must now proceed with greater pace and coherence to ensure that institutional progress delivers tangible improvements for the Haitian people.

Madame President,

Security remains Haiti's most pressing challenge.

Gang violence continues to exact a heavy toll on a beleaguered population. Millions of Haitians remain displaced or food insecure, while women and children continue to bear the brunt of the violence.

Recent attacks in Cité Soleil, Kenscoff, as well as in the South-east and Artibonite departments demonstrate the continued reach of gangs and the imperative need to step up efforts to break their influence and strengthen the protection of populations.

Against this backdrop, the launch of operations by the GSF represents an important milestone. Together with the continued strengthening of the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti, it marks a transition from planning to implementation.

The progressive deployment and scaling up of the Force, with the support of the United Nations Support Office in Haiti, and successful, targeted anti-gang operations will be critical to strengthening national efforts to address insecurity and restore public confidence. Ensuring that these efforts continue in the near future will be paramount.

At the same time, ensuring the full compliance of these operations with international human rights law and relevant international standards is also essential to sustaining legitimacy, strengthening public trust, and achieving lasting security gains.

I commend the efforts of UNSOH, contributing Member States, regional and international partners in establishing the operational, legal and logistical frameworks that have made this possible.

Equally important is the close coordination now established among BINUH, UNSOH, the GSF, Haitian institutions and international partners. Success depends on security, political engagement, and humanitarian action reinforcing each other.

Madame President,

Security operations alone will not produce lasting peace.

Achieving it requires a broader strategy — one that reduces the appeal and the capacity of armed gangs while strengthening justice, state institutions and providing opportunities for communities affected by violence, especially for women and children.

Haiti's children are at a grave risk. Alarmingly, as many as one in every two gang members today is a child. Children are being exploited, coerced into violence and deprived of the opportunity to build a future. Averting a lost generation must therefore be at the heart of Haiti's stabilization and recovery efforts.

I welcome the sustained leadership of the National Commission on Disarmament, Dismantlement and Reintegration to advance a Haitian-owned vision for reducing armed violence and creating viable alternatives to gang membership, particularly for children and young people at risk. This vision must now be translated into a comprehensive national programme, supported by the international community.

As outlined in the Secretary-General's letter to this Council, the United Nations has developed practical, phased options to support such a programme, alongside initiatives to strengthen justice, accountability and oversight.

Additionally, the establishment of two specialized judicial units to strengthen accountability for serious crimes is an important step towards delivering justice for victims and breaking the cycle of violence and impunity.

I encourage Member States, including those seeking complementary avenues to support Haiti's stabilization efforts, to channel their support through the proposed Multi-Partner Trust Fund. This will help Haiti turn security gains into lasting stability.

Madame President, distinguished Council members,

The window of opportunity before Haiti must now be seized.

The Council's continued support for this innovative partnership — the GSF with logistical UN support and the good offices and political work of BINUH— will be critical to help sustain the current momentum. As highlighted by the Secretary-General during his recent visit to Port-au-Prince, lasting progress will require sustained political engagement and continued international solidarity. Above all, it will require a shared sense of urgency to deliver tangible improvements that the population can see and can feel.

Madame la Présidente,

I call upon the Haitian government and all stakeholders to demonstrate sustained commitment, political responsibility, and a constructive spirit to safeguard the progress achieved. I also encourage Member States to provide the necessary resources to support national priorities, consolidate security gains, and create the conditions conducive to holding elections and restoring democratic governance.

The United Nations remains firmly committed to supporting Haiti’s efforts in this direction. The Haitian people have waited far too long. They deserve for the progress achieved to translate into tangible improvements in their living conditions and new prospects for the future.

Thank you."

HL/ HaitiLibre