President, 

I thank Special Representative María Isabel Salvador for her briefing. I also welcome the Prime Minister of Haiti, the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic, and the representatives of Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis and Kenya to this meeting. 

In recent months, the situation in Haiti has shown some positive signs. Facilitated by CARICOM, parties and factions in Haiti have made certain progress in political transition. On the security front, there has been some moderate easing. The first contingent of the Multinational Security Support mission led by Kenya has finally arrived in Haiti. That said, it is important to note that the situation remains dire. The root causes of the multi-dimensional crisis are yet to be addressed, and people continue to live in abject misery. This necessitates a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to tackle both the symptoms and the root causes. China wishes to share the following three points. 

First, we must continue to advance the political process. There has been no election in the country since 2016, resulting in a persistent political vacuum. The absence of a legitimate government has led to a breakdown of law and order and an ever-worsening situation. China hopes that the recent momentum can be maintained to pave the way for political transition and elections at an early date. To do so, all parties and factions in Haiti need to prioritize the interests of the people, actively shoulder their responsibilities, enhance solidarity, and forge consensus. It is essential to put forth a feasible and credible election timetable and roadmap without further delay and to promote the Haitian-owned and Haitian-led political process with tangible actions. We hope the Council will be kept up to date by the Haitian authorities on the progress achieved. 

Second, we must step up efforts to root out gang violence. China hopes that the deployment of the MSS mission can proceed smoothly to assist the Haitian police in guaranteeing the safety of key facilities such as schools and hospitals and to assist the Haitian police in their capacity building efforts to enhance security on the ground. At the same time, it must also be acknowledged that the expansion of gang presence is primarily driven by the incessant influx of illicit weapons and ammunition. We note with concern that according to the latest SG report, the Haitian police recently seized in Cap-Haitien a shipment of arms and ammunition from the United States. China calls for effective implementation of the Council's arms embargo on Haiti. We urge the United States to tighten its control of weapons and ammunition and increase information sharing and coordination with regional countries to stem at its source the illicit supply of weapons and ammunition to Haitian gangs. We support the UNODC in their continued assistance to Haitian police and customs in enhancing border control. We urge the Haitian authorities to effectively fulfill its primary responsibility for maintaining security, stability, and rule of law and to work more closely with UN agencies to fill the gaps and block the loopholes in the country's regulation and control. 

Third, we must work in synergy to respond to humanitarian challenges. Haiti is deeply mired in economic and humanitarian crisis, with a five-year recession and its textile and garment industries severely impacted. Half of its population face a severe food crisis, many are displaced, women and children and other vulnerable groups are having a particularly hard time. China supports enhanced humanitarian input by the UN and regional and international partners. We advocate for greater coordination and synergy among all agencies and offices. At the same time, we believe it is necessary to look beyond the immediate needs and to explore ways to improve the living conditions for the Haitian people to bolster their ability for indigenous development and create favorable conditions for its economic recovery and rebuilding its development foundation. 

President, 

For more than three decades, the international community has tried every possible way to help Haiti. History has shown us that the Haitian issue allows for no external solutions. Any solution ultimately has to come from the Haitian people through their own effort. The UN and regional and international partners must respect the ownership of the Haitian people and, on such basis, bring forth their respective functions and advantages and provide practical and effective assistance. They must not take over and take charge of everything, much less go beyond their respective mandates. 

China commends the efforts of BINUH led by SRSG Salvador to overcome difficulties in assisting Haiti’s response to multiple crisis. We will continue to support BINUH in playing its role. However, the recent worsening security situation has severely impacted BINUH’s presence and mandate implementation. The immediate top priority is to create necessary conditions to ensure the full resumption of BINUH’s operations without delay, allowing it to make the best use of its existing mandate and resources and continue to contribute to the advancement of the political process. Regarding expanding BINUH’s presence outside the capital and strengthening its electoral support function, at this moment, time is not yet ripe for such discussions. 

I thank you, President.