National Statement by Sweden at the Security Council Debate on the Situation in Haiti

Madam President,

I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the recommendations from the Strategic Assessment Mission. I would also like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honoré for her briefing today.

Since the establishment of MINUSTAH in 2004, Haiti's development and stabilization have faced many challenges – political instability, economic fragility, as well as natural disasters. Overcoming the devastation caused by the earthquake of 12 January 2010 was particularly challenging. Yet, in spite of the obstacles, the people of Haiti have constantly displayed their strength and resilience, and their determination to build a better future for themselves and their children. MINUSTAH has played an important role in supporting their efforts.

In recent months, the people of Haiti exercised their democratic right by electing a new president and parliament. We hope that the confirmation of a new government on 21 March will lead to a concerted effort to address the most pressing issues facing the country.

Madam President,

As Haiti continues on its journey of development, the time has come for the role and composition of MINUSTAH to evolve. However, we must learn from the mistakes of the past; it is important that there is adequate planning for a successor transition mission after MINUSTAH. This includes managing the hand-over to the UN Country Team, in the spirit of the Sustaining Peace agenda.

An integrated and joined-up United Nations' presence in Haiti, both during and after the transition, will be needed in order to support the people and government of Haiti as they address the longstanding risks and drivers of instability. This includes joint analysis and planning across the system. Continued efforts will be needed to reduce social inequalities; to unleash the potential of the Haitian people by spurring economic growth; to alleviate fiscal pressure and to strengthen trust in, and capacity of, national institutions.

We welcome the strong Rule of Law and Human Rights focus in MINUJUSTH's mandate. Working under an integrated strategy across all UN entities in Haiti, we see a significant opportunity for the United Nations to 'deliver as one' around these issues. The Global Focal Point on Police, Justice and Corrections on Rule of Law can continue to play an important role in coordinating the UN's ability to deliver as one on the Rule of Law mandate. However, these efforts should be planned, led and implemented by Haitian counterparts. The UN must continue to provide dedicated support to the Haitian authorities, including to the Haitian National Police, to strengthen their capacities.

Important work undertaken by MINUSTAH on gender mainstreaming and against sexual violence must not be lost in the transition process. It will be important to maintain a strategic focus, dedicated coordination and targeted budgeting for gender issues. We welcome the recommendation that the successor mission, with the UN Country Team, 'develop a coherent gender and SGBV strategy, as well as support to the systemization of gender and SGBV programming in the security and judicial institutions'.

Madam President,

The recent peaceful elections, the inauguration of President Moïse and the appointment of a prime minister and government are an important milestone for Haiti. As the people of Haiti increasingly take their future into their own hands, the United Nations must stand ready to support their efforts. Sweden will remain a committed partner for Haiti as it begins this new chapter.

Thank you