CARICOM Supports Adoption of Resolution to Renew Mandate of the United Nations Office in Haiti

New York, New York (12th July 2024) – Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Mutryce Williams, and present Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus in New York, addressed the United Nations Security Council on 12th July, to convey CARICOM’s support for the adoption of the resolution, which renewed the mandate of the United Nations Office in Haiti (BINUH), for an additional year.

Ambassador Williams stated, “We view this as a positive signal that the Security Council remains committed to assisting the Haitian Government and people, in addressing the multidimensional challenges they face, and which impede their efforts at securing a better future. CARICOM acknowledges the important role that BINUH has been playing in our sister Member State and reaffirms its steadfast support to BINUH in the implementation of its mandate.”

H.E. Williams also highlighted that the renewal of BINUH’S mandate comes at a critical time, and is a step in the right direction, since the Mission continues to make an important contribution towards the restoration of good governance, peace, and security in Haiti.

The CARICOM Caucus Chair further stated, “CARICOM echoes the call contained in the resolution for Haitian stakeholders to work with BINUH, and for other partners to advance “a Haitian-led, Haitian-owned political process towards the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections, and with the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and the engagement of youth and civil society.”

While appealing to all States to do more to partner with Haiti, she strongly advocated for UN States to comply fully with the provisions of the resolution, particularly those related to the arms embargo.

She informed the Council, “We underscore the prohibition on the supply, sale, or transfer of small arms, light weapons, and ammunition to gangs and actors engaged in or supporting gang violence, criminal activities, or human rights abuses in Haiti, such as sexual and gender-based violence, as well as to take all appropriate steps to prevent their illicit trafficking and diversion.”

The CARICOM Caucus Chair emphasized, “We cannot fuel instability in Haiti while simultaneously attempting to build the foundation for peace.”

Ambassador Williams concluded her brief intervention, by lauding the United Nation Security Council for its unanimous adoption of the resolution and reaffirmed CARICOM’s support and partnership with Haiti, in assisting the sister Member State, with overcoming it present challenges.