Thank you, President.

I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative Jack Christofides, and ASG Daniela Kroslak for their briefings. 

Over the last three months, the Council has held multiple deliberations and adopted several resolutions on Haiti, demonstrating the efforts and determination of the Council and the international community to assist the Haitian people. At the same time, the situation in Haiti remains complex and grave. The political transition process faces new uncertainties, the security situation has not improved, and humanitarian needs continue to rise. Historical experience has shown time and again that while support from the international community is certainly important, addressing the root causes is more crucial than merely treating the symptoms. Ultimately, whether Haiti can get out of this crisis depends on its own ability to forge political consensus and rebuild its governance capacity. I wish to emphasize three points:

First, it is imperative to promote substantive progress in the political process. It has nearly been a decade since Haiti last held its general elections. Holding credible and inclusive elections as soon as possible is an important prerequisite for creating a legitimate government and restoring constitutional order. In recent years, Haiti's political transition has progressed slowly, and its electoral timetable has been repeatedly postponed, severely undermining the confidence of the Haitian people and that of the international community. The Haitian authorities and all political parties and factions must demonstrate political will, set aside self-interest, and advance the political process without delay. At the same time, elections are not an end in themselves, nor should they serve as an excuse to delay addressing Haiti's deep-rooted governance issues. The Haitian authorities should take the initiative to set clear and feasible goals in areas such as national governance, fighting corruption, and restoring the rule of law, and should take concrete measures and demonstrate tangible results to the international community. China supports BINUH and regional organizations, including CARICOM, in continuing to play an active role in this regard.

Second, the effectiveness of security governance must be enhanced. Violence and crime continues to run rampant in Haiti. Gang forces are constantly regrouping and expanding, and the rising number of civilian casualties caused by gang violence and security operations is deeply worrying. We are deeply concerned over yesterday's gang attack incident and hope to see the four Salvadoran soldiers return home safe and sound. While we note the progress in the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, the Council should maintain its close attention and strict oversight to ensure the Force's strict compliance with international law, transparency in its operations, timely reporting and full accountability so as to avoid harming innocent population. The ultimate goal of international support is to enable Haiti to independently maintain its own security. The Haitian authorities must assume primary responsibility, strengthen capacity building, formulate and implement effective security strategies, and effectively protect the safety and security of the Haitian people, especially children. 

The continued influx of illicit weapons is a major driver of the worsening gang violence in Haiti. This poses a severe threat to the safety and security of Haitians and that of international troops. China welcomes the Council's adoption of the resolution extending the mandate of the Haiti sanctions regime and urges Member States, especially the country of origin for Haiti's illicit weapons and ammunition, to earnestly fulfill obligations under the resolution, take urgent and decisive measures, ensure the full and effective implementation of the arms embargo, and cut off supplies of weapons and ammunition to the gangs at their source.

Third, people's living conditions must be effectively improved. Haiti's humanitarian situation is deteriorating, with nearly 1.5 million people displaced and half the population facing a food crisis. Severe hardships among the people provide the breeding ground for violence. Improving people's livelihoods is both an urgent priority and a fundamental solution. The Haitian authorities must increase investment in people's livelihoods, coordinate resources across all sectors, ensure meeting basic needs such as education, employment, and healthcare, reduce gang recruitment at its source, and create a more favorable environment for people's survival and development. China supports UN agencies as well as international and regional partners in continuing to play a constructive role and help the Haitian people overcome their difficulties.

President,

To solve Haiti's problems requires sustained efforts, and more importantly, it requires finding the right direction, setting clear goals, and taking action. The key to resolving these issues has always been in the hands of the Haitian people. Together with the international community, China will continue to take a responsible approach and help Haiti out of its crisis at an early date so as to achieve lasting peace, stability, and development.

Thank you, President.