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I would like to thank Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Haiti and her team for their dedicated work on the ground. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to stress the following points on the political progress, security and rule of law, and UN engagement in the country.

Last time we met here on Haiti, we welcomed the progress achieved in the political process towards holding national elections on 26 October and Presidential elections in 2015.

That progress however, has not been sustained, and today the holding of the elections on the established dates remains an open issue. We now hear that the lack of an amended electoral law providing the required legal framework impedes organisation of the first round of election on October 26.

The people of Haiti have gone through too much, have suffered too much to live in political uncertainty, especially because such lack of a clear vision ahead is affecting the badly needed progress in economic and social development of the country.

We call on all the political stakeholders in Haiti to overcome their ongoing differences on the electoral framework and to engage in a genuine dialogue on the matter, with the existing timeframe in mind.

A successful electoral cycle and consolidation of the democratic institutions are key to ensuring stability and addressing the challenges of the social and economic development.

The authorities in Haiti need to move forward with the political process towards holding inclusive elections in a solid legal framework.

We commend UN and MINUSTAH’s efforts to engage Haiti's political actors on this matter and to advance towards the elections. 

Madam President,

Strengthening security and the rule of law are some of the most important areas of UN engagement in Haiti.

We note the relative stability of the security situation in the country. Thanks to the commitment of the government of Haiti and active collaboration of MINUSTAH's police component, the capacities and professionalism of the Haitian National Police have increased.

While the progress made by the Haitian National Police is undeniable, as SG report notes, it is not yet capable of ensuring country-wide security without support, particularly if confronted with additional challenges, such as the electoral cycle once it takes place may bring.

Law and order problems also remain. Further efforts are needed to solidify gains in combatting criminality and tackle outstanding law and order concerns.

Quick impact projects aimed at improving the rule of law and good governance tin the country, including through training and construction or rehabilitation of peace tribunals, is an important contribution to improving security and building confidence among the population.

On our part, we remain committed to continuing our modest contribution to MINUSTAH’s police component. 

Madam President,

We welcome the MINUSTAH’s engagement in assisting the Haitian police in addressing sexual and gender-based violence. We are concerned however that much of the violence remains underreported. Although there has been some progress in trials related to human rights abuses, prosecution of perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence is still lagging.

Sustained efforts are needed in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence and promoting women’s political participation. In this respect we welcome fact that training sessions on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse were provided to more than 1500 personnel and encourage continued awareness raising on the matter.

Also because tackling gender- based violence is an important component to women's empowerment, greater role in all spheres of the society, including as agents of the country's development.

We welcome Haiti’s continued efforts aimed at improving child protection legislation. Ratification by the government of the first two optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of Child is a welcome step in this respect. 

Madam President,

In terms of the way ahead, we are looking carefully into SG’s proposals on the future of MINUSTAH. While we concur that further continued efforts are needed in strengthening national rule-of-law and law-and-order capacity, we would support a conditions-based consolidation plan of the Mission, in view of the changing nature of the role that the Mission is playing as well as the needs on the ground.

I thank you.