President,

I thank Special Representative Carlos Ruis-Massieu and Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Indrika Ratwatte for their briefings. I welcome the representatives of Haiti, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico to today's meeting.

Recently, a serious gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, caused heavy civilian casualties. China is deeply saddened by this. We strongly condemn the gang attack and express our deep condolences and sympathy to the innocent Haitian people affected. This attack is not an isolated incident. It once again highlights the fact that the security situation in Haiti remains dire and its multiple crises remain difficult to resolve. In view of the current situation, I wish to emphasize the following points.

First, military means alone cannot resolve the crisis in Haiti. The continued spread of gang violence is only a manifestation. The underlying causes lie in Haiti's prolonged political turmoil, governance failures, and social hardship. The latest UN report shows that, in response to security operations, gangs are constantly relocating, expanding, and reorganizing, and violent crime in many parts of Haiti is instead intensifying. Recent events have once again demonstrated that relying on force solely to counter violence with violence may instead set in motion a vicious cycle of violence, inflicting further harm on the Haitian people and making an already complex situation even more difficult to manage. The Haitian authorities and the international community should adopt a comprehensive approach, focus on the underlying problems, and address both the symptoms and root causes. While taking necessary action to maintain security and public order, they should make concrete efforts to eradicate the political, economic, and social conditions that breed violent crime.

Second, the protection of civilians must always be the top priority. For some time, multiple reports show that gang violence in Haiti has caused heavy civilian casualties, while some security operations have also resulted in casualties among people with no connection to gangs. China is deeply concerned about this. The Haitian authorities should further strengthen the protection of civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, and investigate relevant violations and ensure accountability. Any international security support, including the Gang Suppression Force, should fully respect Haiti's sovereignty, strictly comply with international law, minimize casualties to the greatest extent possible, and promptly report relevant developments to the Security Council.

Third, the sources of weapons and ammunition for Haitian gangs must be resolutely cut off. The persistent flow of illicit weapons and ammunition is an important cause of the intensification of gang violence in Haiti. Nearly three years after the Security Council imposed an arms embargo on Haiti, Haitian gangs still possess large quantities of advanced weapons and ammunition, posing a major threat to the security situation. China once again urges the relevant parties to earnestly implement Security Council resolutions, strengthen border controls and information sharing, and cut off the trafficking of weapons and ammunition at the source. The Haitian authorities should also strengthen the regulation of weapons and ammunition. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and regional organizations can continue to provide assistance. The Security Council and the sanctions committee should strengthen their oversight of relevant progress.

Fourth, the key to a long-term solution to the crisis in Haiti lies with Haiti itself. The crisis in Haiti has dragged on for many years. The international community, including the United Nations, has long provided security and humanitarian support, yet Haiti has remained unable to escape the scourge of instability. The experience and lessons deserve serious reflection by all parties. The Haitian people should not become victims of the country's prolonged governance dysfunction and failure. The Haitian authorities must earnestly assume the primary responsibility for governance. China once again urges the Haitian authorities to accelerate efforts to advance an inclusive political process, strengthen national governance and the rule of law, combat corruption, impunity, and collusion between police and gangs, and at the same time take action to improve people’s livelihoods and create jobs, providing the people, particularly the youth, with the conditions and opportunities to pursue self-development and change their lives.

President,

The recent attack reminds us once again that the Haitian people have endured too much suffering for far too long. They need to emerge from fear, turmoil, and crisis and embrace peace, development, and hope. We support the Haitian people in firmly taking their destiny into their own hands and, with the support of the international community, achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity at an early date. China stands ready to work with all parties and continue to play a constructive role toward this end.

Thank you, President.