Global Courant 2023-05-17 00:45:07
Bogota Colombia
The UN said on Tuesday it would allocate $9m to respond to the “serious worsening of the humanitarian situation” caused by gang violence in Haiti.
The announcement was made by humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, who said, “The humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, bringing people to the brink of the abyss.”
During a visit to Jamaica on Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed that the international community should support the Caribbean country, which is plunged into economic, social and political crises.
“A few months ago I made a proposal to the Security Council where I could see that it would be necessary to have the presence of an international police force in the context of the support, equipment and training of the national police force. “Strong police force to take down gangs,” Guterres said.
At a press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Guterres acknowledged that there was not enough help from countries that said they would lead an international response force in Haiti.
“This has been a difficult exercise. It has been difficult to mobilize the will of those with the best capacity to lead this operation. It has also been difficult to create the political conditions that would make it easier for different countries to accept being a part of this action,” he said.
Guterres stressed the importance of holding presidential elections in Haiti.
“We have a political problem – the need to bring together different stakeholders to find a political way for a legitimate government to be recognized by all,” he said.
Haiti’s last presidential election was held in 2016, and Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s legitimacy is questioned after President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in July 2021. Since then, Henry has come to power and has refused to choose.
“Haiti is in a tragic, tragic situation. You have dramatic humanitarian needs. You have a paralyzed political system and an absolutely appalling level of violence by gangs,” Guterres said.
More than 600 people were killed in the metropolitan Port-au-Prince last month due to escalating gang violence that has killed hundreds and displaced thousands.
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