President, 

I thank Special Representative Carlos Ruiz Massieu and Special Representative Jack Christofides for their briefings, and welcome the interim prime minister of Haiti and the representatives of the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Kenya, and the OIF to today’s meeting. 

The multi-dimensional crises in Haiti have dragged on for a long time. Haiti’s slow political progress, complex and severe security situation, weak national governance, and deteriorating economic and humanitarian conditions have severely hampered its stable development and seriously undermined the confidence of its people and the international community in the country’s future. Consolidating the signs of progress and breaking the vicious cycle of crises require a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and root causes. I would like to make four points. 

First, it is imperative to restore political stability at an early date. A fundamental solution to the Haitian crisis lies in advancing the Haitian-owned and Haitian-led political process, with the country itself assuming primary responsibility for its governance. For many years, the political transition in Haiti has seen multiple setbacks. The goals of forming a legitimate government and restoring political stability have yet to be achieved. We hope that all parties in the country will demonstrate firm political will, strengthen unity and cooperation, take substantive steps in areas such as political dialogue and election preparation, create favorable conditions for enhancing governance capacities and stabilizing the chaotic situation, and prevent further delay in the political transition. We support BINUH and CARICOM, among others, in continuing to provide assistance in this regard. 

Second, it is imperative to effectively improve the security situation. The complex security situation in Haiti means that the authorities should strengthen security governance in earnest, and create and effectively implement long-term strategies to reduce violence and prevent gang recruitment, among others. The Secretary-General’s report expresses concern over civilian casualties resulting from law enforcement operations. Haiti’s security sector should further strengthen the protection of civilians, in particular children and other vulnerable groups. Any international security support must respect Haiti’s sovereignty, strictly comply with international law, and exercise the utmost caution in the use of force. China has taken note of the progress in the deployment of the relevant international force, and hopes that the country leading the force will act responsibly toward the Haitian people, the Council, and the international community, maintain transparency in specific operations and promptly update the Security Council, so that this Council can maintain close attention and rigorous oversight. 

Third, it is imperative to focus on enhancing arms control. The continued flow of illegal arms and ammunition into the hands of gangs is a major cause of the never-ending violence in Haiti. Cutting off the flow of arms and ammunition at the source is the only way to effectively prevent gang violence from harming innocent civilians and ensure that external security support can play an effective role. We urge the international community, in particular, the main source country of arms and ammunition, to strictly implement the Council’s arms embargo. We call on the Haitian authorities to strengthen the control of arms and ammunition and expect continued assistance from regional countries and agencies such as the UNODC. The sanctions committee and this Council should enhance oversight of relevant progress. 

Fourth, it is imperative to keep investing more in people’s livelihoods. Under-development and dire living conditions are key root causes of Haiti’s prolonged instability. The country’s socioeconomic conditions continue to deteriorate, with 60% of its people living below the poverty line. This drives a large number of people, especially youth and children, to join gangs out of desperation. China calls on the Haitian authorities to increase investment in development, strengthen basic public services, help its people secure basic necessities such as food, education, employment, and health care, and create conditions to enhance its endogenous drivers for self-sustained development. We support the UN, international financial institutions, regional organizations, and others in assisting the country to restore development, improve livelihoods, and eliminate the conditions that breed violence. 

President, 

China commends SRSG Massieu for leading BINUH in overcoming difficulties and carrying out its work proactively. We look forward to the continued assistance by BINHU to help Haiti effectively address its multiple crises. Ultimately, the key to resolving the Haitian crisis lies in the hands of the Haitian people. China is ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping the Haitian people emerge from the crisis and achieve long-term peace and stability at an early date. 

Thank you, President.