YouSaid · the spoken record

Michel Joseph Martelly

lines on the record: 36
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“A new dynamic is necessary in matters of peace and development, under which every State agrees that the use of force must be subject to law, where dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes emerge as the cornerstone of inter-State relations and where the “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”, as stated in resolution 217 A (III), of 10 December 1948, by which the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In that regard, the Republic of Haiti fully supports the new Sustainable Development Goals, established pursuant to the new post-2015 development agenda in the form of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) and looks forward to their swift and effective implementation, together with the appropriate resources. At the time of the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations, the spirit that presided over its creation is more than ever alive. Faced with unprecedented global challenges, including the growing threat of global warming, Member States must ensure that the Organization works to build the impetus needed to strengthen it as a space for collaboration.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“As the end of my term approaches, I am pleased and proud to have worked and will continue to work towards my country’s stability and strengthened democracy, thereby honouring my solemn commitments to the Haitian people, as well as to the international community. I am especially grateful to the various United Nations bodies that have stood by us throughout. Haiti reaffirms its faith in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Organization’s efforts to promote peacebuilding and strengthen international solidarity. The elimination of extreme poverty is not beyond our reach; it is everyone’s business.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The withdrawal of troops and the transfer of responsibilities to the Haitian authorities in matters of the military, police and development must be made according to an agreed calendar, thereby avoiding any undermining of the country’s internal or external security. Defence and security issues are of primary importance for my Administration. I have strengthened the National Police and have developed a new defence policy, with support from the Inter-American Defence Board, through the adoption of a white paper calling for the creation of a defence force in the country. The new force will participate actively in Haiti’s development, with a focus on environmental protection, rescue efforts 15-29658 5/55 A/70/PV.22 01/10/2015 in cases of natural disaster, securing our borders and strengthening the protection of investments.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“In the field of public health, we have achieved undeniable success in the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria. The progress made in recent years was made possible thanks, in part, to the support of MINUSTAH. Those achievements represent an outstanding contribution to the country’s stability, without which there can be no serious possibility of economic modernization and sustainable development. MINUSTAH is in the process of adapting to a new environment, different from that prevailing when it was established. The Haitian Government prefers a reconfiguration plan that takes into account the evolving situation on the ground. I reiterate our desire to see the gradual, orderly withdrawal of the Mission’s troops.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“At the same time, extreme poverty has declined, foreign direct investment has shown a net expansion, and, after decades of stagnation, the economy has returned to growth. In terms of the Millennium Development Goals, much progress has been reported. Haiti has reached the target for the reduction in the prevalence of underweight children under 5 years of age, three years ahead of schedule. Thanks to the universal education enrolment programme, which is compulsory and free and was set up by my Administration, more than 1 million children have been able to attend school. We have also seen progress in access to safe drinking water, lower infant- mortality rates, the alleviation of extreme poverty and the fight against social exclusion.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The success of the elections will be an important milestone on the country’s road to stability and in the political transition in 2016. That will be a key indicator of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti’s sound performance and success over the past 11 years. Significant progress has been made in Haiti, especially during the past four years. I can say that, under my Administration, democracy was consolidated, institutions guaranteeing the rule of law were strengthened, the situation in terms of the security environment has improved significantly, and human rights have been promoted and respected. Never has the number of international conventions ratified by the country — on the protection of human rights, the rights of children, women and vulnerable people — been more substantial.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“A year ago, in his report to the Security Council on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Secretary-General noted that holding inclusive elections was “essential for ... the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law and to promote socioeconomic development, which is necessary to improve the living conditions of the population and achieve enduring stability” (S/2014/617, para. 62). I am pleased to confirm to the General Assembly that my country is on track. The Haitian people has demonstrated political maturity and the ability to take control of its destiny. I wish to express my deep gratitude to all of Haiti’s cooperation partners and to the United Nations for the scale of the support provided in the preparation and holding of the electoral contests.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Strengthening the credibility of the United Nations means strengthening its ability to act quickly and intervene effectively in maintaining peace and security, especially when it comes to preventing major crisis situations, calming recurring sources of tension or resolving conflicts that have gone on for too long. I would like to discuss the situation of my country, the Republic of Haiti. On 9 August, an important stage in the consolidation of democracy in Haiti was reached. An independent electoral council, chosen by civil society, launched the electoral process that will lead to presidential, legislative, municipal and territorial elections before the end of this year.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have a clear obligation to adopt all collective measures necessary so as to ensure international security and respect for human rights. We must redouble our efforts to oppose with determination the barbarism of terrorist 4/55 15-29658 01/10/2015 A/70/PV.22 entities and their criminal acts that endanger our shared values. There can be no real peace or security if the international community shows weakness towards those who violate international public order. It goes without saying that we cannot hope for effective responses to the global challenges of our time without narrowing the North-South divide, without an intensification of the fight against poverty, and without a proactive response to environmental crises that afflict, above all, the poorest countries.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have no doubt that the new momentum in their relations will significantly contribute to a much- hoped-for thaw among all the countries of South-East Asia, moving beyond their differences and divergences. The Republic of Haiti encourages the spirit of dialogue prevailing in the relations between nations, which seeks to reach peaceful solutions to their conflicts. The Syrian crisis is a real affront to the conscience of humankind. Non-State entities are expanding their grip every day, particularly in Iraq and Syria, engaging in intolerable atrocities against civilian populations and in the destruction of world cultural-heritage sites. Such threats, which are of an exceptional scale and gravity, pose a challenge to the international community.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Cuba is undoubtedly a historic breakthrough. It allows us to anticipate greater serenity in hemispheric relations. The Republic of Haiti can only rejoice at that development. We pay tribute to the vision, pragmatism and leadership shown by the American and Cuban Heads of State, who opened a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. Similarly, we welcome the signing of the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the group of six countries on the Iranian nuclear issue and the détente that has resulted from it. I also welcome the atmosphere of cordiality and fraternal dialogue that now governs the relations between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The people and the Government of Haiti are particularly grateful for the spirit of solidarity that he has always shown with regard to our country in its ongoing struggle to strengthen our democracy. In a world where, in the words of His Holiness Pope Francis, speaking at the World Meeting of Popular Movements, “global interdependence calls for global answers to local problems”, the challenge to the United Nations today is to reinvent itself, to reform itself and, above all, to be the bearer of a new vision of our shared future, a vision capable of reviving the original flame and of reuniting Member States around a grand collective plan focused on the bedrock of core values on which the Organization is built. In that respect, we welcome a number of recent diplomatic breakthroughs that bring glimmers of hope in international relations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Mr. President, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to you on your election as President of our prestigious Assembly at its seventieth session. Your proven experience in international affairs, combined with your esteemed personal qualities, bode well for the success of this session of the General Assembly. In this pivotal year, when the Organization is celebrating its seventieth anniversary, I would like to commend the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and associate myself with the unanimous tributes paid to him for his commitment to promoting peace and sustainable development and to the fight against climate change.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Our goal is for that truly to become the basis of a system of security and collective solidarity that is able to ensure the rule of law and to preserve peace and international security; a system able to prioritize basic freedoms and human rights; a system able to promote strong growth that is careful to respect the environment and development that responds to current needs without risking the future of generations to come. It is up to us, on the eve of the seventieth anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations, to transmit that new spirit, so indispensable to the promotion and defense of the universal values of which we are the custodians.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“While waiting for the summit to be held next year in which Member States will decide on the post-2015 development agenda, I can already express the confidence of my Administration in the sustainable development goals intended to replace the Millennium Development Goals. The world currently has enormous resources. Our challenge is to find effective ways and means to ensure that they are distributed in an equitable and just manner. I remain convinced that our commitment to reduce poverty and inequality throughout the world is necessary. It is in that spirit that the Republic of Haiti joins the international community to contribute its part to meet that challenge. It is suitable, therefore, that we heighten the effectiveness of the Organization and give it the necessary and sufficient resources in the exercise of that mission.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As Head of State, guarantor of the stability of institutions, I have spared no effort to find consensus among all parties and institutions involved in the organization of legislative and municipal elections. Despite the discrepancies, in the spirit of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, I am confident that together we will arrive at such consensus. I look forward to bringing my fellow citizens together around the table to provide that harmonious area marked by the purest ideals that the Haitian people have established for themselves, ideals that we remain firmly committed to. I would like to reiterate the support of the Republic of Haiti to the fight that the United Nations is leading to eradicate poverty.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“With regard to cholera, while assuming our duty to our fellow citizens, Haiti calls for a decisive commitment from the United Nations to contribute to the National Plan for the Eradication of Cholera. With regard to the economy, major reforms have been put in place to improve the business environment. The increased flow of foreign capital and the number of tourists visiting our country are tangible evidence of the improving business climate in Haiti. We are resolutely focused on our goal of making Haiti an investment destination, not a humanitarian destination. On the political front, Haiti will conduct free, honest and transparent elections as soon as possible for the renewal of democratic and constitutional institutions. That is a necessary step. Democratic rules require it, and I will uphold republican principles until the end.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We are working hard to reach the Millennium Development Goals, which are set at 100 per cent in this regard, as the Assembly knows. In the area of health, we have stepped up efforts to reduce the incidence of diseases such as AIDS, malaria and vector-borne diseases. The significant increase in health centres across the country has improved access to care and led to a reduction in maternal and infant mortality. Maternal mortality fell from 350 to 157 per 100,000 live births per 100,000. Through our Ministry of Health, we were able to build and rehabilitate more than 200 health facilities. And to strengthen governance in health, we are committed to the ongoing training of our health professionals so they can provide better care and services.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I maintain and reaffirm my stance on the need for a gradual and orderly withdrawal of United Nations troops from Haitian soil. That process has in fact already commenced, along with the strengthening of the operational capacity of the National Police of Haiti, which will allow it to take over from the forces of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. I wish to make a plea for better coordination of the work of United Nations agencies with national institutions and for taking into account the real needs of the country. With regard to education, 70 per cent of pupils in the first two years of primary school receive a free education. For the first time in Haiti, 5 per cent of the gross domestic product is earmarked for education. Today, the net school enrolment rate has increased significantly.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“After more than two decades punctuated by disasters of all kinds, Haiti has made undeniable progress over the past three years in terms of consolidating democracy and the rule of law, strengthening its institutions and protecting human rights, reducing poverty and laying the foundations for sustained growth and long-lasting development. We are aware that the road that should lead Haiti to socioeconomic stability is still long. However, the obstacles, however daunting they may be, are not insurmountable. In terms of security, the situation has improved to the point where Haiti has become one of the safest countries in the Caribbean. The Government has made great efforts to strengthen the professionalism of the Haitian National Police.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“More than ever, problems must be addressed pragmatically. That is an urgent matter in these times of political tensions on a global scale and of the spread of some diseases that are just as devastating. Moreover, the international community is greatly challenged by the resurgence of a brutal and fanatical international terrorism in a new form. The United Nations is and remains today our best defence against those challenges through respect for the dignity of peoples and through the participation and inclusion of everyone. Allow me to present the situation in my country, the Republic of Haiti. The Haitian people are at a decisive turning point in their long march in search of stability, democracy and progress, towards the consolidation of democratic institutions established 27 years ago with the adoption of the 1987 Constitution.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Our leadership, being responsible, must be expressed through concrete and tangible actions when peace, the health of our environment and the health of our people are threatened. In that connection, I wish to pay tribute to our Cuban brothers, among other peoples of the world, who have supported African countries affected by Ebola. As much as we have a moral responsibility to raise our voice against injustice whatever its origin, against fanaticism, to reject repression and violence in all its forms and to fight discrimination and prejudices that hinder solidarity among peoples, we also have an obligation to recognize and encourage efforts to unite people. The legitimacy and credibility of the United Nations depends upon its ability to act quickly and respond effectively in recognizing the added value of each Member State.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Despite a challenging route, 70 years later it is clear that this common project that is the United Nations has lost nothing of its topicality and relevance. At a time when hotbeds of international tension persist, the enlightened Powers of our planet must unite to preserve peace, democracy, stability, human rights and development. In that context, in line with the new realities of this century, Haiti argues strongly for concrete progress in the negotiations for United Nations reform, particularly with regard to the enlargement of the Security Council to include new permanent members. The example of inclusion must begin where the right to participation is a fundamental right expressed through the Charter of the United Nations. Our voice counts.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We in the Caribbean have chosen to take the path of dialogue with our neighbour to the east for the good of our two peoples and in order to preserve peace in the region. We believe in the power of dialogue. We are convinced that it is always necessary to engage in negotiation and productive discussions. We readily agreed to come to the negotiating table with our friends from the Dominican Republic to set out the real problens of mutual interest for the benefit of our two peoples and to resolve half-century-old misunderstandings. We welcome the fact that a number of agreements have been reached on issues that were not always easy to resolve. We hope to be able to continue on that path towards a better understanding between two States that share the same island.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I commend the remarkable work of Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon. I pay special tribute to him for his courage and commitment to the cause of peace worldwide. As humanitarian crises and conflicts between States threaten the stability and security of peoples of the world, the Secretary-General’s leadership has repeatedly demonstrated that there is always a way to resolve our differences through dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. That is why I encourage the United Nations to continue to support the good relations between the parties on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the peaceful and constructive approaches to establish lasting peace in East Asia and the East China Sea.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Since the Charter of the United Nations was adopted in San Francisco, the international community has made it a true act of faith in setting up a new international order based on the ideals and values that elevate human dignity and encourage sustainable development and solidarity among peoples. It is an honour for me to speak before the General Assembly, convened for nearly 70 years, to address key issues of justice, universal peace and security. I take this opportunity to send Mr. Sam Kutesa my warmest congratulations on his election as the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. His proven experience on international issues and the United Nations system is a guarantee of the success of the work that will be taken up at this session. He can be assured of the full cooperation of the Haitian delegation.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The words of Victor Hugo come to mind, pronounced at the Peace Congress in 1847: “The day will come when there will be no battlefields other than markets open to trade and minds open to ideas.” Those are my wishes for the assembly of nations. May the good Lord give us His blessings and enlighten us. May He bless the city of New York, which is receiving us so warmly, and grant us the wisdom and capacity to work towards a more beautiful and more just world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Under my leadership, Haiti has understood that and is making active use of democracy to strengthen previously weak or ineffectual local institutions. Haiti has understood that only veritable democracy can bring stability: it is the indispensable precondition for any development policy. I wish to sincerely reiterate from this rostrum the urgent need we all must face to stop fighting and to work instead to protect the assets we share on this planet — to work together to reduce and manage the risks and disasters besetting the world, ruining our economies and hindering development. To my colleagues, the leaders of the world, I wish to recall that our respective peoples have chosen us and entrusted to us the mandate of building a better world where no one will be left alone, where our children will finally be able to grow up in peace.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“History has taught us that there is no justice or equality in international relations. History has also taught us that every nation looks after its own interests. The establishment of the United Nations kindled hope among peoples that things could be different. We cannot let that flame die. Within any family in general and within the family of the United Nations in particular, there cannot be great and small, giants and dwarfs, but equal beings with interests to defend and opinions to express on the basis of forward-looking relationships, relationships marked by liberty, equality, fraternity and the pursuit of happiness for all. But let us not be misled: the best foundation for peace in the world, for prosperity and for defeating poverty will always be democracy.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“On the eve of Haiti’s presidency of the Caribbean Community, I repeat that with good faith and goodwill, things can change, because our destinies, whatever side we may be on, are intimately intertwined. In a world where the global trend is towards the forming of economic and social blocs, the great can remain great only if they know how to transform the multiplicity of children of the planet into a single great social and economic family, respectful of the cultural and religious traditions of all, without exclusion. Therefore the necessary dialogue must prevail among us, not the dialogue of the deaf in which we have been powerlessly enmeshed for decades. We must have real exchanges and negotiations that alone can put an end to the interminable conflicts, which have brought families grief and disrupted the peace of the world.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Those dreams can be summed up as offering the possibility to every man and every woman, regardless of color, religion or political preference, to live in peace and to rear their children in dignity. The Haiti of Toussaint Louverture, over two centuries ago, already understood that. Those national dreams, however, will not see the light of day if the commitments made to help the development of countries like ours are not implemented, if prejudice and suspicions of all kinds regarding the have-nots still prevail. In order to prevent those differences, we must regard others in a different way, with eyes purified, I would say, at the Pool of Siloam. Haiti continues to suffer from being regarded in the old way.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“As long as we at the United Nations do not pool our efforts so that access to health and to jobs and respect for differences become a reality, we will continue to face conflicts, and we will be reduced to painfully seeking peaceful solutions. We champion gender equality and we promote democracy. We daily attempt to apply equal treatment for all under the law. Respect for the environment is inscribed in our programme of Government. In my view, those are the parameters that prevent uncontrolled migrations, climate change, useless wars, religion-related massacres, ethnic conflicts and terrorism. In our common quest for harmony in a world with different cultures and diverse religions, we must allow our national dreams to emerge.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Haiti today, the Haiti that I have the mission of serving, has understood that as long as there are quarrels, frustrations, poverty, underdevelopment and inequality, the world in general and Haiti in particular will never be protected from problems and controversies. As long as things are bad within nations, they will be tempted to turn to their neighbours and seek quarrels. Throughout long centuries of world history examples have not been lacking. That is why we say today that, while it is good to seek peaceful solutions to international disputes, it would perhaps be wiser to try to prevent them. As long as access to water and to major markets, or just compensation for raw materials and sound economic competitiveness are not available to us, we will continue to have conflicts.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Also permit me to pay a well-deserved tribute to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the dynamism, wisdom, good judgement, vision and courage he has shown more than once in managing extremely sensitive international situations. I also would like to especially thank him for the particular attention he has bestowed on my country, Haiti. Since my accession to power, the Haiti I love has attempted, in intent and in deeds — with many ups and downs, no doubt with successes and some mistakes — to emerge from its difficulties. I have been strongly dedicated to that effort. I can imagine that, with the impetus provided, results will be forthcoming in a matter of months or years. How could it be otherwise?”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“I come here to the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly to bring, on behalf of the Haitian people, my contribution to the debate that today brings together representatives of all peoples of the world. The election of Mr. Jeremić to the Assembly presidency is for me a clear message that the small States Members of the United Nations can play a major role and make their contribution to peace, even in the global context of a sluggish economy. On behalf of the Haitian delegation, I would like to congratulate him for having raised and encouraged the theme for today’s debate, which, unfortunately, is a concern of many Members of the great family of the United Nations.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)