YouSaid · the spoken record

Helen Meagher La Lime

lines on the record: 25
first: 2020-10-05
most recent: 2021-02-22
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

“Nevertheless, even as the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean forecasts that Haiti’s economy will contract by 3 per cent in 2021 and that S/2021/174 the worst economic crisis to affect the region in 100 years will adversely impact the country’s post-coronavirus disease recovery, only a democratic renewal, resulting from the prompt holding of credible, transparent and participatory elections, can provide Haiti with the opportunity to overcome its protracted political crisis and allow its society and leaders to focus their attention on undertaking the governance and economic reforms necessary to set the country back on the path towards sustainable development.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“Despite the large sums and indefatigable efforts invested in Haiti’s development over the past 25 years, the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals appears to have stalled, and in some cases even backslid. It is evident that development effectiveness and impact in Haiti remain very low. Moving forward, improved collaboration and trust between the Government and international partners on Haiti’s structural problems will be essential to better prioritize areas of intervention and develop effective integrated solutions to Haiti’s challenges.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“However, with strategic advice from the United Nations and appropriate support from both national authorities and international partners, I am confident that this institution, which lies at the heart of the rule of law and stability in Haiti, will continue to develop its capacity in accordance with international human rights and policing standards. Conversely, I am deeply concerned with the recent resurgence in kidnappings as well as the persistent impunity and lack of accountability for serious crimes in Haiti. To address these scourges, which greatly contribute to the country’s instability, authorities must demonstrate their commitment and capacity to arrest and prosecute both criminals and perpetrators of human rights violations, as well as to take concrete actions to protect citizens.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“The Haitian people deserve the opportunity to express themselves through the ballot box in an appeased climate and to actively decide on the direction their country will take, free from the fear of intimidation and political violence. In this respect, it can count on an increasingly professional police force, whose close to 15,000 men and women deployed across the country strive to improve public safety. To be sure, meeting the security challenges associated with the holding of the referendum and the elections will represent a crucial test for the Haitian National Police, just as the threats posed by some of its disgruntled officers’ association with criminal groups, such as “Fantom 509”, continue to detract from its performance.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“The Government must provide the Office of National Identification with the support it needs to rapidly scale up its registration drive. Finally, despite the Government’s initial contribution, the entire electoral process remains starkly underfunded. This situation requires the urgent attention of Haiti’s international partners, lest the legislative, presidential and local polls be delayed. Above all else, a minimal consensus among relevant political stakeholders would greatly contribute to creating an environment conducive to the holding of the constitutional referendum and subsequent elections. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti stands ready, in accordance with its mandate, to support all genuine endeavours to foster such an outcome.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“Indeed, while there exists a general consensus among Haitian stakeholders and the general population on the need to change the country’s current charter — viewed by many as one of the root causes of Haiti’s chronic instability, amid the polarized climate — the process chosen by the Government to enact such change is still perceived by some as lacking legitimacy. All sectors of Haitian society, including political parties, the private sector, civil society, churches, women groups and the diaspora, should be provided with ample opportunity to debate and contribute to the draft text. Moreover, if Haitian voices are to be heard well, additional efforts need to be expended to ensure that more of Haiti’s citizens are registered and issued with the new national identification card that will allow them to vote.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, the Haitian Government has contributed $20 million to the United Nations-managed electoral basket fund to finance both the purchase of voting materials and the training of electoral personnel, as well as to cover the operational S/2021/174 and logistics costs for the holding of a referendum on a new constitution, the draft text of which was made public on 1 February. Yet much remains to be done. The pace and scope of consultations on the constitutional project need to be greatly enhanced.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“While factors such as the coronavirus disease pandemic, its economic impact, gang violence and the passage of tropical storm Laura contributed to exacerbating humanitarian needs in 2020, underlying drivers are closely correlated with persistent sociopolitical tensions and chronic development deficits. It is against this complex and potentially volatile backdrop that progress continues to be made in preparing for the various electoral events scheduled to take place this year. The Provisional Electoral Council has now set up its offices in Haiti’s 10 regions, thus enabling logistics and operational planning to start in earnest.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“The overly broad definition of terrorism articulated in a 26 November decree on public security — to include lesser offenses such as vandalism and obstructing roads — along with an increase in both the threats directed at, and attacks on, journalists, lawyers, judges and human rights defenders, all risk chilling the public debate and curtailing such inalienable rights as those of freedom of speech, freedom of the press and peaceful assembly. Similarly, the humanitarian situation in the country is increasingly dire. The latest estimates indicate that some 4.4 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2021, overwhelmingly as a result of an increase in acute food insecurity.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“Whereas, in recent months, the opposition had been unsuccessful in mobilizing much popular support for its campaign to oust the President, the latter’s recent issuing of decrees effectively retiring three Court of Cassation judges and appointing their replacements prompted several magistrates’ associations to launch an open-ended strike that further threatens to paralyse an already dysfunctional judicial system. In addition, on 14 February, some 3,000 demonstrators marched peacefully in the streets of Port-au-Prince to denounce what they deem to be a looming risk of return to authoritarian rule. I mentioned that there are mounting concerns over the shrinking of civic space in the country.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“As the country prepares to enter a tense pre-electoral period, the polarization that has defined most of President Moïse’s term in office has become even more acute, as signs of a shrinking civic space abound and an already alarming humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The institutional crisis in which the country is plunged since Parliament ceased to function in January 2020, following the expiration of the terms of all Lower Chamber parliamentarians and a majority of senators, without legislative elections having been held, risks growing deeper as relations between the executive and the judicial branches of power appear increasingly fraught, and President Moïse continues to govern by decree.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“It is an honour to once more have an opportunity to address you and provide an update on the situation in Haiti. Despite the precarious calm that currently pervades the country, the efforts of part of the opposition to unseat President Moïse by 7 February, as well as the actions taken by the executive in reacting to an alleged coup attempt and to the announcement by a senior judge of his appointment as Haiti’s interim Head of State, have further hardened the positions of the principal actors in the political crisis that have for too long affected the lives of the Haitian population.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source
“To effectively fulfil these roles, we will continue to transform the way in which we work, by making more efficient use of the political and programmatic resources of the United Nations to better address the intractable structural obstacles that prevent meaningful and tangible progress in Haiti.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Above all else, it is the ability of Haiti’s political and economic classes to compromise and resolve their differences without resorting to violence and the capacity of the country’s fledgling institutions to take the necessary steps that will determine whether free, fair and inclusive elections will be held in a favourable climate, whether attempts to restart the economy and put the country back on a positive development trajectory will succeed, and whether the perennial issue of impunity will finally be addressed. Leveraging the complementarity of the diverse expertise shared between BINUH and the United Nations country team, we stand ready to continue supporting authorities in the accomplishment of these endeavours and accompany Haiti as it strives to rekindle the sustainable development agenda.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Likewise, through the implementation of the recently adopted National Social Protection and Promotion Policy, the Government will seek to reinforce social safety nets and enhance the provision of relief to the most vulnerable, an undertaking that would unquestionably be bolstered by increased levels of donor funding for humanitarian assistance.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Overall, the domestic impact of the pandemic, as well as the effect it has had on the economies of essential trading partners, will likely contribute to Haiti experiencing another year of recession in 2020. To countervail the effects of the protracted multidimensional crisis and revitalize the economy, the Government intends to launch a three-year post-COVID-19 economic recovery plan premised on the stimulation of domestic production and exports through economic diversification, support to small and medium enterprises, and investment in the energy and agricultural sectors.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Though less virulent in Haiti than initially forecast, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic appears to have compounded the already debilitating effects of almost two years of sociopolitical unrest on the country’s economy. The onset of the health emergency in the spring stopped any potential economic recovery in its tracks, and, since then, the situation has only further deteriorated. Despite an increase in remittances and the recent success of measures to strengthen the national currency, households across the country have seen their incomes drop while prices of basic goods have risen sharply, thus leading to a further increase in food insecurity. Investments in the critical manufacturing and agriculture sectors have stalled, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“As the country prepares to enter a new electoral cycle, it is paramount that key aspects of the electoral process, such as the electoral framework and calendar, be addressed in order to reduce the risk of contested elections and further violence. While BINUH will continue to engage national stakeholders, I urge States Members of the United Nations to amplify their support for a process that, if properly managed, will contribute to ensuring that the overdue polls renew Haiti’s elected leadership, lead to a greater representation of women in political life and reinvigorate the social contract between Haitian citizens and the State.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“The continued lack of trust among political forces is impeding all but the slightest progress on priorities that had previously garnered a wide consensus across the political spectrum, such as the necessity to undertake constitutional reform to better reflect current Haitian realities and address key shortcomings of the 1987 Constitution prior to holding new elections. Even as the window to design a process acceptable to all is rapidly closing, many political stakeholders view the forging of a political consensus and the establishment of a Government of national unity as essential to an environment conducive to participatory elections.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Since I last addressed the Council in June (S/2020/568, annex I), several Government initiatives, including on economic and governance reform, have gained momentum despite running up against some internal criticism. A new penal code was enacted, certain elements of which will in the next two years provide an opportunity for finetuning to build consensus around a text all Haitians can embrace. Finally, the recent appointment by President Moïse of the new Provisional Electoral Council has elicited strong reactions from segments of Haitian society, including the Court of Cassation, purportedly because of the body’s lack of representativeness and the scope of the mission it was given.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Similarly, whereas progress has been made towards the operationalization of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration — the State body charged with coordinating efforts to curb gang activity — continued support, steadfast political resolve and decisive action will be necessary to ensure that the Commission is capable of performing its tasks as the Government moves towards adopting a national strategy for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and community violence reduction and steps up efforts to aimed at countering the proliferation of illicit weapons and ammunition. Haiti’s contemporary history has demonstrated time and again that acute political polarization and weak State institutions constitute catalysts for violence.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Although the Haitian National Police (HNP) has consistently proven its operational proficiency since assuming sole responsibility for providing security throughout Haiti’s territory, it would require at least an additional 10,000 well- trained and well-equipped police officers to meet internationally accepted policing standards and cement its capacity to deliver professional, human rights-compliant police services to the population. While, over time, it has proven successful in reversing such negative trends as the sharp increases in homicides and kidnappings observed in past months, the HNP needs to be adequately funded and equipped by its Government to overcome its recurrent shortcomings and continue developing so as to meet those international standards.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Gangs continue to challenge the authority of the State, especially in the more populous neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, and a fringe group of disaffected police officers calling themselves “Fantôme 509” has, along with its followers, brought disorder to the capital on several occasions. As the police and judicial authorities struggle to address the persistent challenges they face in meeting the Haitian population’s legitimate demands for security and accountability, violence persists, and human rights violations continue to be committed. The widespread perception of impunity these dynamics elicit can only be countervailed by ensuring that the rights of victims of human rights violations and abuses are upheld and that perpetrators are held to account.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“Apprehension about the future has become increasingly palpable, but especially since the shocking assassination, on 28 August, of the President of the Port-au-Prince Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval — a respected scholar whose murder epitomizes for many the weak state of the rule of law in the country. The slaying of Maître Dorval constitutes a tragic loss for Haitian society, as he represented an example of civic engagement and commitment to the promotion of the rule of law. In the past few months, unrest — sometimes in the form of violent protests — has become increasingly prevalent, and perceptions of insecurity have grown ever more acute.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to provide the Security Council with an update on the situation in Haiti, on the eve of the first anniversary of the departure of peacekeeping troops from the country and the creation of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). During its first 12 months of operation, BINUH has strived to carry out its mandate by, among other actions, seeking to foster a favourable environment for key sectors of Haitian society to overcome the impasse in which the country is currently entrenched and set it on a path towards long-term stability and sustainable development. Nevertheless, as we meet today, Haiti is once again struggling to avert the precipice of instability.”
2020-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/979 (2020) · source