Meanwhile, political stakeholders are still struggling to find common ground and define the path to elections in this context, she added.
The Haitian-led solution is important
“An economic crisis, a gang crisis and a political crisis have coalesced into a humanitarian disaster. We must not lose hope, but must combine our efforts to find a way to a better tomorrow,“UN Special Representative Helen La Lime, speaking from the capital Port-au-Prince.
“A political solution led by Haiti is the necessary first step to resolving the current crisis. To support the Haitian people in their efforts towards a better future, this Council must act urgently.”
Gang violence continues to disrupt daily life in Haiti, forcing more than 20,000 people from their homes.
More than 1 million people affected
The United Nations estimates that at least 1.5 million people in the Caribbean nation have been directly affected by the recent unrest, with gender-based violenceand especially rape, is used systematically.
The economic crisis has caused food prices to soar, while fuel is usually only available on the black market.
Protests broke out in Haiti after the Prime Minister announced on September 11 that the Government would reduce about $400 million in fuel subsidies in an effort to increase revenue for social programs.
By the next day, roadblocks had been erected across the country, prompting a nationwide shutdown, with the situation lingering in the capital for five days.
One of the largest gang alliances also blocked off the main fuel station there on September 12. The siege lasted for more than a week, despite coordinated police operations over the weekend.
Good office role
On the political front, Ms. La Lime said she has maintained good relations with all sections of society and encouraged dialogue.
“While fruitless efforts to date have resulted in a perceived stalemate, the nation’s stakeholders have begun to re-engage with a renewed sense of urgency. Over the past weeks, representatives of the Government, political groups and civil society organizations have conducted new consultations on ways to create a broader consensus on the path to elections. But we are not there yet,” she said.
Aid delivery is hindered
According to Valerie N. Guarnieri, Executive Vice President of the World Food Program (World Food Program)WFP).
“We expect Food security continues to deteriorate This year, surpassing the record high of 4.5 million people are estimated to face a crisis or worse of severe food insecurity, of which 1.3 million are currently living in poverty. emergency,” she said.
The gangs that are gripping the capital are blocking access to fuel supplies and key logistics hubs, including ports and airports, as well as access to other parts of the country.
Protesters also have ransacking and looting humanitarian depots, with WFP losing one-third of its food reserves in just one week. UN agencies and partners estimate they have lost about $6 million in such attacks, which occur at the height of hurricane season.
Call for support
Ms. Guarnieri emphasized that WFP and other aid agencies intend to stay and deliver in Haiti despite the challenges, but will need greater support.
“Just put, We are not in a position to assist everyone who needs our help due to the general lawlessness and operating environment,” she said.
“We therefore look forward to receiving more and more support from Member States, from you, to further facilitate humanitarian access as well as the protection of humanitarian actors. , personnel and assets.”
Anti-Illegal Trafficking
Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said armed groups not only harm stability and security but also hinder efforts towards peace. and long-term development (UNODC).
Haiti is particularly vulnerable to the circulation of illegal goods, especially drugs, firearms and ammunition. due to its 1,500 km coastline and land border with the Dominican Republic.
Ms. Waly said UNODC is supporting border management and is working to map out transnational criminal activities in Haiti, as well as their impact in the region.
They are also assisting authorities to build capacity to inspect containers at strategic points such as ports and border gates.
“These efforts will ensure that customs revenue is effectively sent to activities that support border modernization and border management,” she said in French.
