YouSaid · the spoken record

Fernandez Amunategui

lines on the record: 57
first: 2011-09-16
most recent: 2012-10-03
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-security-council

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

“I cannot say that no progress would have been achieved without it, but I believe that the difficulties would have been much greater and the progress much more minimal. Therefore, I wish to thank and congratulate the international community on behalf of MINUSTAH for the outstanding work we have been able to achieve.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Lastly, I wish to express my personal thanks to the international community. In today's debate, we have noted how institutional and political progress is leading to greater stability in Haiti. That progress has truly been due to the unified voice and action of the international community, especially the permanent diplomatic presences in Haiti, but also the missions that have visited and the diplomats and embassies represented here. There has never been a single dissenting voice in our efforts to politically stabilize Haiti. Quite the contrary: we have always had very active agreement, which has been felt by the Government, public opinion, the opposition, Parliament and civil society. This concord has made an extraordinary contribution to continued progress.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“I would like to express my most sincere thanks to the Guatemalan presidency for having organized this meeting, espeecially as this is the first time that that country has assumed the presidency of the Security Council since the United Nations was founded. I think that this is a very important moment for us. I would also like to express my gratitude for the unanimous support for the recommendation of the Secretary-General, his report (S/2012/678) and the extension of the mandate of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for a further year. I would also like to express my deepest thanks for the support expressed for the work of MINUSTAH. I believe that the men and women of the Mission richly deserve such support, and it was delivered most eloquently.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Of course, these issues go far beyond the tasks and mandate of MINUSTAH, but I feel I must make mention of the situation, as this aspect is essential to the fulfilment of the objectives of the Mission and the completion of the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council, so that there will be no need to return to Haiti once again. If efforts in the areas of the economy and employment bear fruit, I anticipate a reconfiguration of this peace Mission into a political mission of the United Nations, with emphasis on the rule of law and human rights as well as an advisory and monitoring component on police work, by means ofa mission embedded within the Haitian National Police itself. I believe that this would be the best possible final stage of the work of MINUSTAH in Haiti.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“In the absence of tangible progress that benefits the people in the areas of food, employment, health, housing and the environment, it could be difficult to maintain the current level of security in that Caribbean nation, which is due in great part to the contributions made by the international community since 2004. The time has come for public, private, national and foreign investment. The time has come for projects to be carried out that demonstrate that the economy is moving forward and that Haiti and its people have a future. Here I should like to pay tribute to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, former President Bill Clinton, for his ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at encouraging investment in Haiti.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“In the quest to devise mechanisms that will strengthen those efforts, appropriate solutions should be found to the current challenges facing Haiti. Finding paths that facilitate dialogue and consensus among Haitians will be a key factor in building a country that can stand on its own and is equipped with democratic institutions that are capable of providing appropriate responses to the numerous challenges facing it now and in future. However, crucial economic and social challenges remain for Haiti. I wish to reiterate that security, the rule of law and economic and social development are three interdependent concepts that are essential to enabling Haiti to launch a process of renewal and consolidate a lasting peace in the country.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Participation therein is an honour for their personnel and for the countries whose nationals are working to carry out the lofty task of achieving peace and defending it wherever necessary. The Secretary-General has recalled that the first priority is the reputation of the United Nations. It is for that reason, inter alia, that in Haiti we have intensified our zero-tolerance measures against abuse of all kinds, especially the sexual abuse of minors. After eight years of work, the peacebuilding achievements registered by MINUSTAH in Haiti are clear. However, in order to continue to make progress, we must pursue our efforts to strengthen the rule of law, which will make it possible to harmonize the peace dividends achieved to date.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“The implementation of those projects has also helped to mitigate flood risk, improve urban sanitation in the wider community and present the world of work as a valid option. MINUSTAH has also devoted funding to quick- impact projects for earthquake-affected communities and to projects that focus on public lighting, road rehabilitation, local infrastructure such as multi-purpose municipal institutions, rule-of-law infrastructure, including peace courts, as well as education, including schools and municipal and departmental public institutions. Finally, peace missions are the concrete expression of a moral value, which makes them respectable on all continents.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“That predisposes them to social exclusion and makes them a vulnerable population. They do not have the option of responding tomorrow to a State based on the rule of law or of fulfilling their social responsibilities, thereby fulfilling their own economic needs or those of their families. In order to counteract this vicious circle, strengthen the rule of law and promote peace and coexistence, MINUSTAH is supporting and financing violence reduction programmes in communities. For example, the Mission has supported 36 high-density manpower projects, which are focused on working on watersheds and urban infrastructure and rehabilitating canals. Those projects have made it possible to offer temporaryjobs to 51,000 at-risk young people, of whom 30 per cent are women.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Although it is true that there has not been a severe resurgence of the disease, there are continuous cases with fatal consequences. Cholera affects the entire island of Hispaniola, and we are therefore working on a plan to intensify prevention, fight the disease better and engage in all possible efforts to mitigate its effects. Among the many people living under difficult conditions in Haiti are those in prolonged detention, which are really illegal detentions. We have worked together with the Ministry of Justice, and we will quickly conduct concerted efforts in order to reduce and, if possible, put an end to this phenomenon, which is a serious violation of the human rights of hundreds of Haitian citizens. Most youth in Haiti do not have access to professional training because of economic reasons.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Although hunger had not completely disappeared from the Haitian landscape, it had almost completely disappeared as a social and humanitarian problem. I must note that the response of the Haitian Government to this national emergency, together with the United Nations, and its response to the difficult food situation was appropriate and took the longer view, as shown in its appropriate coordination with humanitarian actors and the United Nations system, which made it possible to mitigate the crisis and prepare for new emergencies. Haiti continues to face serious challenges, especially with regard to the cholera epidemic, which is hanging over thousands of people every time the weather or social conditions worsen.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“However, the situation has deteriorated, as work by international organizations and non-governmental organizations has been curtailed due to the lack of financing. At the current pace, by the end of 2012 there will still be over 250,000 people living in camps for internally displaced persons. We therefore encourage organizations and Governments to cooperate in order to enable people to promptly and satisfactorily return to their places of origin or relocate to new areas that will welcome them on a permanent basis. Tropical storm Isaac, although it struck only in the south of Haiti, showed the fragile day-to-day reality of the Haitian people, as the loss of crops in that area and the paradoxical drought in other regions have caused a reappearance of hunger.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, events linked with sporadic and isolated protests by the sectors of the population that are most threatened by the fragile socioeconomic situation in the country highlight the fact that peace and security will be very fragile without economic and social development measures, which generate hope for the future in the population. We are already seeing this in different areas such as Cap-Haitien and Les Cayes. On human rights and humanitarian and correctional affairs, the Government's efforts and international cooperation have made it possible to reduce the number of inhabitants of internally displaced person camps to 390,000. That is a remarkable effort, since it has reduced these numbers by 73 per cent. After the earthquake, the figure was 1.5 million people.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Among the main consolidation measures are the reduction of military personnel in five departments. They will be replaced by police officers. In those departments, the civilian representation ofMINUSTAH will be decreased to an operational minimum. We plan to progressively apply this model in the coming period to facilitate the concentration and reduction of MINUSTAH'S activities in a rational fashion. Barring unforeseen contingencies, we are heading towards a final state of the Mission at a foreseeable point in time.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“As mentioned by the Secretary-General in paragraph 50 of his report, given the progress in this area, he recommends that the Security Council consider a reduction from 7,340 to 6,270 troops and from 3,241 to 2,601 police, with a consequent drop in civilian personnel, in accordance with the reduced scope of MINUSTAH's activities. Given the Secretary-General's proposal, the Mission, together with the United Nations country team, has consulted the Government of Haiti on a consolidation and reconfiguration plan for MINUSTAH in accordance with the suggested reductions proposed to the Security Council. The plan, which is in a working phase at the moment, has as its primary goal making it possible for the Mission to fully carry out its task, thereby concluding its activities in Haiti.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“In terms of the police, the good news is that, after three months, the decision to dismiss 79 high officers with a history of crime and corruption from the force became effective. That serves to improve the credibility of the main security body in Haiti. The strengthening of the Haitian National Police is the highest priority for MINUSTAH, both because of what it means for consolidating the rule of law and improving security and because it makes it possible for a responsible conclusion of the Mission. In that, in accordance with resolution 2012 (2011), MINUSTAH has reduced its numbers.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“The police force has continued to evolve. On 30 August, Godson Orelus was appointed Director General ad interim of the police for a three-year period. In the same fashion, the Superior Council of the Haitian National Police endorsed a plan for 2012-2016 for the police, which, among other goals, states that by 2016 there will be a police force made up ofmore than 15,000 police officers. That task will call for the training of at least 5,000 new officials, or 1,200 a year until the end of President Martelly's term. That represents an unprecedented and considerable training effort, and consequently also a significant and unprecedented budgetary effort for the Haitian Government.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Apparently, this matter is no longer an issue of concern for the public, and the Government has started, very practically, to train border police, coast guards and military engineers to work on infrastructure projects. From the very beginning, MINUSTAH and the international community recognized the sovereign power of Haiti and its right to establish an army or restore the armed forces dissolved in 1995. However, with the same clarity, the Government and the public have been told that any establishment of forces of that kind should not be to the detriment of the development, strengthening and professionalization of the police. It has also been indicated that the international community sees other important development priorities for Haiti, which should be a priority over any potential restoration of the armed forces.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“In a positive development during the month of May, Haitian authorities put an end to the illegal activities of a group of individuals linked to former members of the armed forces that were dissolved in 1995. They had occupied for some weeks public buildings and headquarters, calling for the re-establishment of the army and the payment of pensions. The President condemned the illegal occupations and called for public order. He also reiterated the fact that his current priority is to strengthen the Haitian National Police. The police, with the support of MINUSTAH, was thus able to evict the illegal occupiers from the 10 sites.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“While we can describe the security situation in Haiti as stable, it has the fragility inherent to a society in the process of being stabilized, characterized by precarious socioeconomic indicators and extreme poverty affecting a large portion of the country. In this respect, I would add that the information I presented in March on issues including poverty, illiteracy, education and the diaspora have practically not changed. In practice, political violence has disappeared. There has also been a considerable drop in the number of kidnappings. Although murders are on the rise, Haiti still has one of the lowest per capita murder rates in the Caribbean and Central America, and those murders are linked to gang activity and rivalries. However, it has been very difficult to fight domestic violence and the abuse of women.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, the current situation in the Senate I have just described makes it almost impossible for the legislative power to reach agreement on its three nominees to the Permanent Electoral Council. The formation of an electoral body ofnine members in accordance with the stipulations of the Constitution is an unavoidable prerequisite for any elections; its establishment will determine how soon the pending elections can be held to renew a third of the Senate as well as to elect all municipal mayors and councillors. That is why MINUSTAH is currently working in coordination with the international community to promote dialogue and prepare the way for the soonest possible establishment of a Permanent Electoral Council that is legitimate and legal and that enjoys the broadest possible support.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“That continues to distort political life, with negative consequences for the democratic stabilization process in Haiti In addition, there is at present a serious impasse in the formation of the Permanent Electoral Council. According to constitutional provisions, this body, which is responsible for organizing all elections in Haiti, should be composed of nine persons, three appointed by each of the powers of the State respectively. The appointments by the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Executive did not comply with article 17.1 of the Constitution, on positive discrimination in favour of women, which mandates a representation of women in all public services of at least 30 per cent, as I already mentioned.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Such will has also been reflected in various statements he has made, intended to ensure that future elections are carried out as soon as possible and with the greatest possible transparency. Furthermore, commendable work has been done by the Prime Minister to attract investment, fight corruption and smuggling, and promote industrial job creation projects, which are essential steps for Haiti's economic recovery. An exceptional situation in Haitian political life is currently being played out in that the Senate, which is theoretically made up of 30 members, today has only 20 members as a result of the legal provision that terms automatically expire after six years with or without elections and that it is renewed by thirds every two years ; yet the quorum for its operation and voting continues to assume a Senate of 30 members.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Making the Office of the Ombudsman an official body and the appointment of a Minister for Human Rights and the Fight against Extreme Poverty are further proof of the hard work of the Government in the areas of the rule of law and the protection of human rights and the dividends that it is paying. The confirmation by Parliament in May of Prime Minster Laurent Lamothe and his programme focused on the five priorities of President Martelly's Government - employment, the rule of law, environment, energy and education - are evidence of harmony and collaboration between the President and the Prime Minister, which are crucial for Haiti and its stability. The appointment of women to seven ministerial posts in a Cabinet of 22 further reflects the will of the President to apply the provisions of the reformed Constitution.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“Moreover, the establishment of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, approved by law seven years ago, which oversees the transparency and independence of the judiciary, is another indication of the progress currently being made in Haiti in terms of the rule of law and of the political will of the Haitian authorities to strengthen democracy and its institutions, given that the establishment of the Superior Council of the Judiciary allows for the establishment of the Permanent Electoral Council, an essential body for the holding of elections in line with the provisions of the reformed Constitution.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“On 19 June, President Martelly issued amendments to the Political Constitution approved at the end of President Pre'val's term, providing for, among other things, the establishment of a Constitutional Council; a minimum quota of 30 per cent for women in public institutions, especially public services; streamlining of the appointment of the Prime Minister; and the legalization of multiple citizenship as a positive gesture towards the hundreds of thousands of Haitians currently living in different parts of the world and contributing to the present and future of Haiti, in particular through remittances, which currently total approximately $2 billion per year.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“On 8 March, when I had the opportunity to review the political situation in Haiti, I noted that MINUSTAH had insisted on a governance pact, which is improving the situation and facilitating consensus for Haiti's development. While progress has been slow, we can confirm that clear steps forward have been taken in the political stabilization process and progress has been made with regard to rule of law institutions.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“I would like to convey my sincere thanks to you, Sir, and the other members of the Security Council for having organized this meeting, the purpose of which is to present to the Council the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2012/678). I also take this opportunity to welcome the presence of the Haitian Ambassador. Iwould like to begin with a special thanks to all those countries contributing troops and police to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and all the Member States that have collaborated in the process of stabilization and reconstruction and provided valuable support to peacebuilding in Haiti.”
2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source
“In that regard, I would like to express my gratitude for the commitment and efforts of the men and women serving in MINUSTAH, as well as to the wider United Nations family serving in Haiti. The situation in Haiti continues to be fragile, and certain reversals could generate a new crisis. The future stability of Haiti, and ultimately its prosperity, will continue to depend upon the political will of its leaders and citizens, as well as the support of the Security Council and the international community as a whole. I should like to conclude by launching an appeal to all stakeholders involved to continue our commitment to cooperate with Haiti so that the country may achieve the best of futures, which it deserves.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“I must therefore also call on the members of the Security Council and of the international community to help stimulate investment and development efforts in Haiti and to make available to the United Nations country team the resources necessary to contribute to that end. This will be increasingly necessary in order for MINUSTAH to begin to drawdown its military and police presence. In conclusion, I would like to point out that Haiti and MINUSTAH are today at an important crossroads. The Haitian people have demonstrated great strength and admirable determination in the face of many and varied challenges and catastrophes. The international community can feel proud of its show of solidarity vis-a-vis the Haitian people. I trust that this solidarity will continue.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“I should like to stress that a reduction of the efforts of MINUSTAH in the area of reconstruction and development would represent a setback in this respect, particularly given Haiti's politically fragile situation, and we could see a further deterioration of the security situation. Furthermore, all of the projects carried out by MINUSTAH are primarily aimed at ensuring peace and security, such as providing public lighting in areas where there was none after dark. This is being welcomed and supported because it is a great contribution to the security of the population. Many of them also have a positive impact on development, infrastructure and employment, among other areas. But they are not solutions in the long term.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“In addition to these small-scale initiatives, MINUSTAH and its military engineering units have been able to contribute to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country. The military force increased the number of engineers following the earthquake, and that number should be maintained as part of the reconfiguration of the activities of our Mission. Since April 2011, military engineers have finalized 80 projects, including the removal of rubble from former Government buildings and public institutions damaged by the earthquake, the repair and construction of roads, groundwork for the construction of facilities for dealing with outbreaks of cholera, the construction of storage space and the draining of canals.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Various projects have created income for women and other civil society groups, enabling them to develop the capacities of the members of the various communities of the country. Since the earthquake, a total of 99 programmes for the reduction of violence in communities have been implemented in response to environmental and socio-economic needs. Those programmes include the construction of canals, the installation of public lighting, professional training, and initiatives to provide employment. About 30,000 women and young people at risk have been given temporary employment through those programmes. More than 1,100 young people have been provided access to training programmes and employment in the private sector.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“This is promising, but not sufficient to meet people's urgent needs and change their lives for the better. Likewise, a resumption of the activities of the private sector will be fundamental to the long-term stability of the country. This sector has been weakened by the lack of security and the absence of the legal framework necessary for investment in the private sector. On a smaller scale, but equally important, MINUSTAH has contributed to recovery in Haiti through its quick-impact projects, through its programme to reduce violence in communities and through its military engineering reconstruction projects. In 2010-2011, the majority of the 229 quick- impact projects were focused on the rehabilitation of public infrastructure and the provision of basic public services in areas where assistance from the Government is non-existent.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“The United Nations peacekeeping missions, including MINUSTAH, are not development operations, but they are essential to creating the conditions for long-term development. As such, MINUSTAH is continuing - and must continue - to contribute to sustainable recovery in Haiti. This year the Mission has worked with the United Nations country team, together with the Haitian authorities and with other international donors, to respond simultaneously to the needs of displaced persons, as specified in the mandate of MINUSTAH, and to make progress in the area of peace. Since July 2010, the United Nations country team has identified and submitted 18 project proposals to the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission; eight have received funding through the Haiti Recovery Fund, while another three have received funding from bilateral donors.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“This is particularly important with regard to the creation of a police academy, which will require international cooperation so that it can become an institution of excellence and be an important instrument in the rule of law as well as in enabling Haiti to fight the most sophisticated types of modern crime. In the coming days, we will be hosting 50 special police officers who are experts in fighting narco- trafficking and organized crime. This is a very important contribution that will qualitatively complement the proposed quantitative reduction, and I believe it is particularly important for Haiti and for MINUSTAH in carrying out its activities. Finally, I should like to refer to the efforts of MINUSTAH for recovery and development in the long term.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“This, however, must change in future if Haiti wishes to gradually assume responsibility for its own security. As I indicated at the beginning of this briefing, it is the Secretariat's vision, with which we fully agree, that we gradually reduce the MINUSTAH force levels - levels that had been approved as a result of the 2010 earthquake but that now can and should be reduced. The Secretary-General, in a report that Council members have probably already seen, has recommended reducing the Mission's authorized military strength by 1,600 personnel and 1,150 United Nations police officers. That would leave 7,150 troops and 2,300 police. Such a quantitative reduction should be complemented by a greater emphasis on the qualifications and specialization of police officials.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Let us recall that its capacity to create and maintain security conditions is one of the fundamental aspects with respect to a reduction of MINUSTAH and the development of a strategy for its eventual exit. May witnessed the graduation of the twenty-second promotion of Haitian National Police officers, whose strength currently stands at 10,000, of whom 783 are women. MINUSTAH continues to provide support in the enrolment and certification process for future promotions as well as in the elaboration of a development plan for the next five years that will replace the current one, whose deadline is December 2011. The Haitian National Police has continued to support the MINUSTAH structure and to work with other international groups in order to improve the 11-50056 process of recruitment, training and the development of infrastructure.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“I should like to recall here Operation Phoenix, carried out in July 2011, which made it possible to detain various gang members as well as fugitives from justice responsible for criminal activities throughout the city. MINUSTAH has continued its efforts to protect vulnerable groups, carrying out 24-hour patrols in camps for internally displaced persons and providing assistance to victims of sexual abuse and gender-based violence. The Mission is training the Haitian Police to respond to and prevent this kind of violence, particularly against women and children. That support has been reflected in the establishment of a gender and women's affairs coordination office, in cooperation with the Haitian National Police. There has been significant, concrete progress in the training of the Haitian National Police.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Given these challenges, I am convinced that the strategic focus of MINUSTAH will continue to be to support the strengthening of institutions and the rule of law for the protection of human rights and, above all, to contribute to providing greater stability to the country. This leads me to a third priority of MINUSTAH, mentioned in the report, namely, our support in the area of security and stabilization. I wish to share with the Council the successful joint operations of our military and police personnel in support of the Haitian police to prevent and minimize the activities of gangs and maintain public order, particularly in important areas of Port-au-Prince such as Cite Soleil, Bel Air and Martissant.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“With regard to corrections and the penal system, MINUSTAH is providing support to the Haitian authorities in the conclusion of judicial cases, which has led to the release of 260 detainees since March 2011. Continued support and bilateral cooperation with donor countries has made it possible to develop prison infrastructure, thereby helping to increase by 28 per cent the space that detainees have in their cells. Nonetheless, prison overpopulation is a problem, and violations of prisoners' human rights remain a serious 11-50056 concern. To date there has been no improvement in administrative reform at the national level.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“We hope that these necessary decisions will be taken soon. That would represent a very important step forward in the area of the rule of law, which is fundamental, as I have repeatedly stressed, to international cooperation and MINUSTAH's work in Haiti. With regard to the strengthening of human rights, MINUSTAH and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have investigated violations, including extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention and detainee abuse. Thus 26 local courts have been set up in various parts of the country, which have coordinated their efforts with those of the United Nations country team in order to train judicial actors in the area of gender violence so that they have the necessary legal framework in place to deal with violations of human rights.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Progress in this area has been hindered by the absence of a new Government and the lack of agreement on the nomination of four judges, including the President of the Court of Cassation and the Superior Council of the Judiciary - a priority that has long remained unmet. President Martelly has announced that these nominations will be made by early October, and we hope they will. However, the nominations to those vital institutions and other key judicial posts have been marred by controversy and require dialogue and, in particular, political will on the part of leaders. I would say quite frankly that such political will is hard to come by in Haiti. Parliament recently endorsed 18 candidates, from whom the President must nominate the President of the Court of Cassation and other pending judicial appointments.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Secondly, with regard to the consolidation of State authority, progress has been made, but the Administration's current capacities, the provision of basic services and the administration of justice remain far below the levels necessary if the Haitian authorities are to fully assume their responsibilities for ensuring stability. During the period covered by the report, MINUSTAH continued to provide technical support to increase the capacities of State institutions at both the national level, including Parliament, and at the local level, and to assist in the development of the infrastructure of ministries and local administrative bodies. In that context, one important priority remains the strengthening of rule of law institutions and the protection of human rights.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“The tireless efforts of MINUSTAH to facilitate national and local dialogue in order to motivate an exchange of ideas among the Government, civil society, the private sector and other key actors will remain critical in the future. It will also be important to support the electoral process in Haiti, which is preparing for partial legislative and local Government elections in November. In that respect, I stress that electoral reform, including the establishment of a credible permanent electoral council, is indispensable if Haiti hopes gradually to reduce its dependence on international electoral assistance.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Haitian political and civil society leaders continue to clamour for national consensus in key areas, such as the national budget, education, recovery and development priorities, elections and constitutional reform. I add my voice to the appeals of the Haitian political class that we heed the calls for greater understanding and demonstrate greater political will to reach agreement that will undoubtedly help to improve the lives of the Haitian people and reflect clear progress in the consolidation of the rule of law, and hence towards Haiti's complete self-reliance in its development efforts, which is our common aspiration as we work in that dear country.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“First, the Mission continues to provide support to the Haitian electoral authorities and the political 3 process. In addition to its substantial technical and logistical support and coordination efforts for the presidential and legislative elections during the second half of 2010 and early 2011, in recent months the Mission has focused its efforts on launching a dialogue with the authorities, civil society and the private sector in support of agreements on governability that will promote the creation or strengthening of institutions necessary to the proper functioning of the rule of law, which is critical to Haiti politics. The political stalemate between the new President and Parliament, in addition to the absence of a Government, has complicated prospects for progress in this area.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“MINUSTAH will have to continue to play an invaluable role in supporting the fight against criminality. In August, the United Nations fell victim to the rising violence. I pay tribute here to Sergeant Serge Kamali of Rwanda, a United Nations police officer who was shot in Port-au-Prince last month and whom I visited in the Santo Domingo hospital before his death on 26 August. The Sergeant's death was the first in two years to be caused by a malicious act, and it represents a loss to MINUSTAH and the United Nations. Against that backdrop, I should like to highlight the work that MINUSTAH has been doing in key aspects of its mandate and in response to contingent needs since the issuance of the Secretary-General's last report (S/2011/183).”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Political tension, alongside a precarious socio-economic situation, is generating new tensions in the security situation. The second round of voting in 2011 was carried out without major incident, largely thanks to the assistance of MINUSTAH police and troops to the Haitian National Police. As the Secretary- General's security assessment confirmed, law and order did not totally break down following the earthquake, although there has been a recent rise in crime rates. Undoubtedly, the calm but fragile security situation of recent months, due to the overall political instability generated by the lack of a Government, has led to greater fragility in civic security. I am particularly concerned over the instability that could arise should the political and socio- economic situations continued to deteriorate.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source
“Similarly, the prevalence of such diseases as malaria and cholera 11-50056 remains a serious problem. Although the cholera mortality rate fell in all departments, from 5.6 per cent at the beginning of the epidemic last year to 1.4 per cent in August, it is clear that the epidemic has not disappeared. In general, recovery and reconstruction activities are progressing, supervised by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission. We are seeing, however, that much remains lacking. Of the funds pledged by international donors for 2010-2011, only 37.8 per cent have been disbursed. I take this opportunity to appeal to donor countries to honour their donation pledges to ensure that Haiti will have the resources necessary to advance its reconstruction. There security situation is somewhat calm, but very fragile.”
2011-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6618 (2011) · source