President,

I welcome Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner for presiding over today's meeting. I thank Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Executive Director Monica Juma, SRSG Vanessa Frazier, and Special Representative Jack Christofides for their briefings. I also welcome the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as the representatives of Mexico and Jamaica, to today's meeting.

Since the Security Council last considered the situation in Haiti, challenges to the political transition remain, the security situation is still grave, and the humanitarian crisis continues to be deeply concerning. All parties in Haiti must demonstrate a greater sense of urgency and take more pragmatic actions. Together with regional partners and the international community, they should adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of the crisis. I would like to emphasize three points.

First, accelerate the political transition. The key to breaking the vicious cycle of the crisis in Haiti lies in establishing a legitimate, effective, and accountable government and putting national governance back on the right track. The Secretary-General's report shows that differences remain among Haitian stakeholders over transitional arrangements and preparations for elections, and the prospects for the transition remain uncertain. Haitian authorities and all political parties and groups must demonstrate genuine political will, build broader consensus through inclusive dialogue, lay the groundwork for the early holding of credible and inclusive elections, and prevent further delays in the political transition. China supports the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in continuing to play its good offices role and working together with regional organizations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to generate greater synergy.

Second, make every effort to improve the security situation. Although the Haitian national police and security forces have made some progress in operations in certain areas, violent crimes remain rampant, and innocent civilians continue to suffer. We call on the Haitian authorities to step up efforts to combat gang violence and strengthen security governance, while paying due attention to the protection of civilians, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, during security operations. We have noted the developments in the deployment and operations of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and hope that it will strictly comply with international law, exercise the utmost restraint in the use of force, ensure transparency, timely reporting, and full accountability in its operations, so that the Security Council can maintain close oversight.

The continued illicit flow of arms and ammunition remains a major driver of escalating gang violence in Haiti. China once again urges the international community, especially the principal source country of illicit arms and ammunition in Haiti, to strictly implement the Security Council’s arms embargo. We call on the Haitian authorities to strengthen the regulation of arms and ammunition and support the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), regional organizations, and other partners in continuing to provide assistance. The Security Council and its Sanctions Committee should strengthen their oversight of relevant developments.

Third, continue to improve the livelihoods of the people. Haiti's security crisis is only a symptom. The deeper challenge lies in prolonged state dysfunction, which has resulted in economic decline and underdevelopment. The Haitian authorities bear the primary responsibility in this regard. They must increase investment in people's livelihoods, provide basic services and safeguards in such areas as food, education, and employment, and effectively improve the living conditions and development prospects of the population. China supports UN development and humanitarian agencies, as well as international and regional partners, in continuing to provide constructive assistance to Haiti. We also hope that Haiti will continue strengthening its own capacity-building efforts and transform external support into endogenous momentum for self-sustaining development.

President,

Ultimately, Haiti's future must be created by the Haitian people themselves. China supports the Haitian people in firmly taking their future into their own hands and realizing lasting peace, stability, and development at an early date. China stands ready to work with the international community to continue playing a constructive role toward that end.

I thank you, President.