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Madam President,  I would like to thank Sandra Honoré, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Haiti for her efforts, and reaffirm our support to the mission as we refer to the Secretary General’s report on the improvements in Haiti.  The consolidation of democracy and its institutions remains an important pillar of UN support to Haiti. We are pleased with the advancement of a political process in Haiti and hope to see the presidential elections, hopefully, in 2015. We commend the decision to conduct local and national elections on 26 October 2014. These must be held in an inclusive and transparent manner. The United Nations presence in Haiti should be ready to provide the support to the electoral process. We welcome President Martelly’s call for the national unity and dialogue, and a more collaborative relationship between the Parliament and Executive Branch, as demonstrated in the Inter-Haitian dialogue that was launched in January. 

We salute the progress made during the reporting period in implementation the conditions-based consolidation plan of MINUSTAH. The plan has shown tangible results in meeting the Haitian police professionalization target as the national authorities assume greater responsibility in establishing the rule of law. We wish to see the local authorities assuming more ownership of security and safety in Haiti. An effective National Police is essential for a long-term peace and security solutions for the country. Thus police officers misconduct and human rights violations should be immediately addressed. More progress is need to improve pre-trial detention conditions, resolve cases of illegal detention. The rule of law is absolutely critical to good governance and stability. 

Madam President,

We commend the Haitian efforts to enhance gender equality and to set the conditions for greater opportunities for women. However, gender-based violence in Haiti remains deeply troubling, as the Secretary-General in his report notes an increase in violence against women. This is a security concern for the nation, whose women are an intrinsic part of the process towards reconstructing Haiti. Lithuania recalls the UN Security Council resolution 1820 and 1325 that reaffirm the important role of women in peacekeeping. We call for an incorporation of gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts, including the MINUSTAH.

Madam President,

We remain concerned with the cholera situation in Haiti. There were less cholera cases during the reporting period - the Pan-American Health Organization forecasting 45,000 infections in 2014, down from 698,304 people infected from October 2010 to 31 January 2013. But it remains worrying that Haiti leads the world in the number of cholera cases. Additional efforts ought to be promoted in line with the UN system’s commitment to support the 10-year Haitian National Plan for the Elimination of Cholera. 

We are pleased that in line with the progress achieved in Haiti, MINUSTAH presence is continuously adjusted. The MINUSTAH mandate should be reviewed in view of the achievements by the Haitian government. We would welcome that the next Secretary General report would elaborate on options for the post-2016 reconfiguration of the mission. 

In conclusion, Madam President, Lithuania wishes to express my gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary General, MINUSTAH troop and police contributing countries, as well as to the UN Country Office in Haiti. We remain committed to continue our support to the Haitian Government, their efforts to promote a national dialogue and to hold nationwide elections in 2014 and presidential elections in 2015. Further delays should be avoided.