YouSaid · the spoken record

Joseph

lines on the record
32
first
2021-06-17
most recent
2021-10-04
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

  1. Allow me to conclude by launching a fervent appeal to the international community in general and to the United Nations system in particular to continue to strengthen its support, in a spirit of solidarity, to Haiti in order to help it to finally once again return to the path of peace, security, political stability, progress and economic and social development. The meeting rose at 11.45 a.m.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  2. In that respect, we express our wish that the new BINUH mandate be focused essentially on the strengthening of security in the fight against violence by supporting the Government’s efforts in the spheres of security, stabilization and the protection of civilians. Those are all legitimate expectations on the part of a people that has suffered enough as a result of gang violence, kidnapping and widespread crime. While acknowledging the limits of BINUH in Haiti given its essentially advisory nature, we sincerely hope that the Security Council will make the necessary adjustments to its mandate to help the Haitian authorities to effectively tackle the grave situation of insecurity, which is worsening day by day.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  3. Hence the urgent need to create, in an irreversible manner, the conditions necessary for the long-term political and institutional stability of the country that the Haitian people desperately want, and that the international community earnestly desires. At a time when the Council is preparing to renew the mandate of BINUH, it must take account of the new realities that the country is facing and of the fact that the mandate must be adapted accordingly. Consequently, the strengthening of the operational capacities of security and law-enforcement institutions, in particular the Haitian National Police, requires the utmost attention.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  4. The quest for a solution to the serious shortcomings that for a long time have compromised the social, political and economic stability of Haiti requires the commitment and involvement of all national stakeholders. The Government of the Republic is committed to ensuring the participation of all. We also have a dire need for a sustained, long-term commitment on the part of the international community at all levels. Haiti also requires the mobilization of technical and financial resources in the long term to guarantee the financial stability of the physical, social and economic infrastructure that is vital to its sustainable development.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  5. The Haitian Government takes note of the repeated excuses offered by the American authorities for the ill-treatment inflicted on Haitian migrants at the border, and it warmly congratulates the American Administration, in particular President Biden, for the corrective measures that have been taken. In the same vein, we convey deep and sincere thanks to the sister nation of Mexico for its efforts towards and support for a regional solution to the issues of migration through dialogue. The situation requires not only a humanitarian solution but also calls for cooperation to resolve those issues, which transcend by far our respective borders.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  6. All present have likely seen in recent weeks the horrific images of the atrocities that those Haitian men and women have experienced at the United States-Mexican border. I must say that no one takes the decision to leave this beautiful Caribbean country lightly to seek a better life elsewhere, imperilling their lives and often those of their children. All that we ask is that they be treated with dignity and humanity. Here I welcome the demonstrations of active solidarity shown by American society towards Haitian migrants at the United States-Mexico border.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  7. As the Secretary-General states in his report, the efforts undertaken to reform the Haitian justice system have continued in spite of the problems beleaguering the judiciary as a result of the tragic events that have befallen the country. Positive steps have been taken such as the fact that the members of the Superior Council of the Judiciary were recently sworn in and took up the bench. Efforts are under way to improve conditions of detention in penitentiaries, reduce prolonged pretrial detention and, as a result, ease prison overcrowding. Allow me to refer to the troubling and shocking situation of the tens of thousands of Haitian compatriots who regularly, to escape the harsh realities of their situation, continue to flee Haitian shores to seek a better life elsewhere.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  8. In that same vein, the Haitian Government noted the concerns expressed regarding the human rights situation, which, according the Secretary-General, has continued to worsen, including as a result of the clashes between armed gangs and the attacks perpetrated against the civilian population. In more general terms, the Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to guaranteeing the respect, protection and promotion of human rights, without any discrimination, in accordance with its commitments and obligations under the relevant international and regional treaties on human rights to which the Republic of Haiti is a party.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  9. However, the weaknesses of the Haitian judiciary system, combined with the clearly transnational nature of the crime, have not in any way helped the process and conclusion of the inquiry, not to mention ensuring that justice is done for that crime. With that in mind, judicial cooperation is required to complete the investigation and identify and punish the perpetrators. That request was made once again by Haiti during the general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session (see A/76/PV.14). We would like that request to be duly taken into account in order to send a clear message that such acts are not tolerated by our international system.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  10. The report gave clear focus to the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, a tragic political event that, in conjunction with so many others, exacerbated the multidimensional Haitian crisis and increased uncertainty regarding the political future and the crucial stabilization of the country. The Secretary-General emphasized the security measures taken by the then Government, which had the lofty responsibility of ensuring the State’s continuity in order to avert the chaos that certain prophets of doom saw looming on the horizon or wished to see. It must be acknowledged that countless efforts have been undertaken on the ground in order to ensure progress in the inquiry into the assassination of President Moïse.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  11. In parallel with that political track, which is a high priority for Haiti, my Government attaches great importance to the strengthening of the judicial system, which must absolutely lead to the completion of the investigation into the murder of President Moïse so that justice can be served in accordance with the wishes of his family, his allies and the vast majority of the Haitian people. The days and weeks that followed his death have shown, and history will show in turn, that President Moïse was assassinated for his ideas, for his dreams for the Haitian people, for his commitment to a future that celebrates all Haiti’s children.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  12. I am proud to have given the example of going above and beyond, at a crucial moment in national life, by stepping down, without any coercion, from the office of interim Prime Minister, after having made a dignified contribution to the stabilization of the State and the society following the heinous murder of President Moïse, to make way for Prime Minister Ariel Henry, in accordance with the last wishes of the late President Moïse. It is in that spirit of selflessness that I call on all those who, like me, were close to the late President Moïse, to facilitate the work of my Government, with the support of our international partners, civil society actors and even staunch opponents of President Moïse, within the framework of a broad inter-Haitian agreement as the only way to save our common homeland.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  13. We must capitalize on that agreement to make it the basis for the broadest possible consensus in order to create an environment conducive to the calming of the sociopolitical climate in order to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as possible. To that end, it is vital to ensure the spirit of self- sacrifice and go above and beyond the triumphs in order to ensure that the higher interests of the nation are at the forefront of our concerns and motivations.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  14. Ariel Henry has devoted himself to the search for the broadest possible consensus in order to contribute to the normalization of political life in Haiti and the regular functioning of democratic institutions. That is how, following broad consultations with stakeholders in the political class and civil society, Mr. Henry concluded a political agreement in order to put an end to those fratricidal divisions, which fuel instability and violence. His efforts have begun to produce results, with the signing on 11 September of the political agreement for peaceful and effective governance during the interim period, involving more than 200 political and civil society organizations.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  15. The decades of infighting, unproductive divisions, hatred and rancour that followed the end of the Duvalier dictatorship have had many harmful consequences, including the fragmentation of the social fabric of the country, chronic political instability, the fragmentation of economic structures, the impoverishment of the majority of the population, the decapitalization of companies and capital flight and brain drain and the worsening of inequalities. In the wake of this, the unacceptable and irreparable happened on the night of 6-7 July: the murder, in his private residence, of a democratically elected President who was in office. It is undoubtedly with the imperative of ensuring national unity in mind that, since entering office as the Prime Minister, Mr.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  16. The Government that I have the honour to represent before the Security Council is fully aware of that and is fully committed to implementing, as far as possible, the recommendations of the report — with, of course, the sustained support of its friends and partners in the international community. The Government is also aware of the importance of all the challenges to be met and the magnitude of the obstacles that hinder the economic and social development of the nation. We are determined to forge ahead and make progress on the structural reforms that are necessary to improve democratic governance, to fight against impunity and to strengthen the rule of law. To achieve those goals, it is imperative that we seek, in a proactive manner, to unite the Haitian family.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  17. All those very complex problems added to the devastating consequences of the coronavirus disease pandemic on Haiti’s economic, social and health-care structures. In the face of such adversity, the Haitian people have shown great courage and resilience. I would like to express my deep respect for them and for the country’s Government. The unfortunate events that I have just listed have only exacerbated the sociopolitical crisis that the Republic of Haiti has been experiencing for more than three years, increasing its vulnerability and jeopardizing its sustainable development, as outlined in the Secretary-General in his report.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  18. The report’s observations and recommendations have been noted and meticulously considered by the Government of the Republic of Haiti. Allow me to take this opportunity to reiterate to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General my warmest congratulations for her sense of responsibility, her unfailing determination and the outstanding work she is doing as the Head of BINUH. The 7.2 magnitude earthquake killed more than 2,240 people in the southern region of Haiti, including Dr. Ousmane Touré from the Republic of Guinea, whose memory we pay tribute to. The earthquake also injured 12,700 people, not to mention innumerable material damage and the destruction of public and private infrastructure. Only two days later, the equally devastating consequences of Tropical Storm Grace were seen in the same region of the country.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  19. Mr. Joseph (Haiti) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the Security Council for inviting me to take part in this briefing on the question concerning Haiti and, in doing so, giving me an opportunity to share the views and observations of the Government of Haiti with regard to the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) (S/2021/828), which was just presented by the Special Representative. I would like to convey the deep appreciation and gratitude of the Government of Haiti to the Secretary- General for his commitment to Haiti and the Haitian people, as evidenced by his most recent report, which provides an objective and impartial account of the recent events in the country.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  20. From 1986 to 2016, the country experienced no fewer than 15 transitional Governments, including 10 from 1986 to 1993 alone, with the only results being total institutional paralysis and the further weakening of the State. Transitional regimes promote all kinds of dishonesty, corruption and misappropriation, while the country sinks into instability, poverty and economic inequality and struggles to find its way to development. Only honest, democratic, free, inclusive and credible elections can guarantee the political stability necessary for the socioeconomic stability and progress of the nation.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  21. The Head of State is determined to make the process as inclusive, transparent and participatory as possible. He continues to invite all branches of the political opposition to the table for dialogue and consultations with a view to reaching a historic compromise that will result in a government of national unity that includes all political tendencies. The renewal of my mandate at the head of an ad interim Government is a powerful testimony to the openness of the President of the Republic of Haiti. I wish to conclude my remarks by reaffirming, loud and clear that, contrary to what some of my friends in the opposition may think, the path of transition is one that Haiti should avoid. We have had plenty of experience in that regard throughout Haiti’s history, especially recently.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  22. All that remains is for our international partners to fulfil their pledges of financial support, which amount to more than $17 million. With regard to logistical issues, the Provisional Electoral Council is working closely with UNDP and the United Nations Office for Project Services. A total of 12 sites throughout the country for the storage of voting materials have been identified and a deployment plan has been elaborated. President Jovenel Moïse has declared 2021 to be an “election year”. True to his commitment and promises, he has done everything possible to facilitate the organization of elections in the course of this year. The electoral machinery is up and running; the Provisional Electoral Council has the resources it needs; and the electoral process is following its normal course.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  23. As far as the holding of the upcoming elections is concerned, I can assure Council members that there is nothing to worry about, apart from certain logistical problems and the crucial issue of security, which will promptly be addressed in all their aspects. From an organizational perspective, the Provisional Electoral Council has already set in motion most of the machinery required to hold the elections. At the financial level, the Provisional Electoral Council has prepared and submitted a budget for the organization of a referendum and the elections. Based on that budget, on 21 January the Haitian Government has signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the reactivation of the Basket Fund, which has been replenished with resources from the public treasury on several occasions.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  24. It is a guarantee of the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and political stability in the country. The President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Mr. Jovenel Moïse, and the Government as a whole are deeply and resolutely committed to that end. Under no pretext can there be any interruptions to the electoral process, which would be a serious blow to Haiti and the Haitian people, especially in terms of democracy, the rule of law and political stability. My physical presence at this briefing on Haiti is mainly to reiterate the determination of the President of the Republic of Haiti to assume his responsibilities and keep his promises to the Haitian people in their entirety, all while respecting Haiti’s international commitments.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  25. The aim was to gather additional suggestions from civil society before producing a consensual text to be submitted to the population for approval through a constitutional referendum, which was scheduled for 27 June. Unfortunately, the resurgence of cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country at the beginning of May led the Provisional Electoral Council to postpone the referendum vote indefinitely, in line with the recommendations of the Ministry of Public Health and Population and the scientific unit responsible for the management of the COVID-19 crisis in Haiti. A new date for holding the referendum will be communicated shortly by the Provisional Electoral Council. In the meantime, we are working hard to advance the electoral process, which is irreversible.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  26. That documentary approach was complemented by hearings with the participation of more than 30 national and international experts, including experts from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and the Organization of American States. That important preparatory work resulted in a first draft of the new constitution, which was submitted for comment and analysis by the whole of society on 2 February. Within that framework, meetings were organized throughout the country’s 10 administrative divisions. More than 800 civil society organizations were involved in the process, the vast majority of which joined forces to brief the Independent Consultative Committee on their views. On the basis of those criticisms and recommendations, a second draft was circulated on 18 May.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  27. Therefore, following broad consultations with the various strata of society, he issued a decree on 28 October 2020 establishing the Independent Consultative Committee, which is responsible for drafting the new constitution. A section of the political class and certain other actors, who in many ways benefit from the flaws and weaknesses in the current Constitution, have contested this initiative from the outset and done everything possible to derail the project. However, the Independent Consultative Committee has performed its responsibilities well, drawing on the reports of the various rounds of consultations carried out between 2007 and 2020 concerning the 1987 Constitution.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  28. Recurrent political instability fuelled by the 1987 Constitution, which is completely out of sync with the country’s historical and sociocultural realities, together with the resulting flagrant imbalance between the branches of Government, are the main reasons for that, as well as other structural problems that hinder the national economy and the sustainable development of the country. In an act of patriotism and in order to tackle the root causes of Haiti’s problems and provide lasting solutions to them, the Head of State — who is highly attentive to the aspirations of the population, which has often spoken out in favour of a new social contract — intends to offer the nation a new constitution to put an end to the vicious cycle of political instability, thereby rendering the country governable.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  29. The Haitian National Police, as the guarantor of security and the maintenance of law and order, is fully mobilized to that end, despite its limitations and lack of resources. To achieve our goals, we need the support and solidarity of our friends in the international community more than ever, particularly when it comes to technical assistance and strengthening the operational capacities of the Haitian National Police. The political situation in Haiti over the past two years has been extremely worrisome.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  30. While we wait for the opposition to finally embrace dialogue and cooperation as the only way out of the protracted political impasse, the executive branch is assuming its responsibilities towards the nation. It has set its sights on organizing elections at all levels by the end of the year with a view to renewing the political landscape in Haiti, restoring the operation of all democratic institutions and ensuring the transfer of power to a legitimately elected president on 7 February 2022. The Government of the Republic of Haiti is well aware of the extreme complexity of the situation and the concerns it may raise. That is precisely why we are taking all necessary measures to curb the problem of gang violence and kidnapping and restore security throughout the country.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  31. We regret, however, that the report does not sufficiently take into account the significant progress made in the country over the past three or four years in promoting and respecting human rights, fighting corruption, improving governance and strengthening the rule of law. I thank all those Council members who have shown their unwavering solidarity with the Haitian people, who have so often fallen victim to the incomprehension of certain politicians and oligarchs driven by petty interests. Allow me to take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment and determination of the President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Mr. Jovenel Moïse, to work towards mitigating the sociopolitical climate through dialogue and consultations with all of the nation’s key stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source

  32. Mr. Joseph (Haiti) (spoke in French): First of all, I thank the Security Council for the interest it has always taken in the constructive development of the economic, political, social and security situation in Haiti. Today’s meeting is of the utmost importance at a time when the Republic of Haiti, my country, is at a crossroads. For more than two years, the country has experienced an extremely difficult sociopolitical situation, characterized by recurrent attempts to destabilize it and the public order by a certain faction of the opposition whose actions seek only to create disorder and instability. We thank and commend the Secretary-General for his latest report on the situation in Haiti (S/2021/559), the key points and recommendations of which we accept.

    2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source