Topic:
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Noah Breukink
Topic: 2023-Situation in Haiti
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Noah Breukink
MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2653 (2022) concerning Haiti, noted that the text demanded the immediate cessation of violence, criminal activities, and violations of human rights that have compromised peace and security in the country and region. He cited kidnappings, sexual violence, trafficking in migrants, homicides, extrajudicial killings, and child recruitment by armed groups. Consequently, the Council has imposed measures against individuals directly or indirectly involved in such activities — including travel bans and asset freezes. He said there is a website devoted to Committee activities and that, on 12 December, he circulated a letter on the nomination of a group of experts containing a list of four candidates, including specialists in weapons, armed groups, and criminal networks as well as financial aspects and humanitarian affairs.
MICHEL XAVIER BIANG (Gabon), speaking in his national capacity, called on the Council to respond quickly to the security situation in Haiti. “When fire burns down your neighbor’s home, there’s no use closing your doors or windows,” he said, emphasizing that “the haunting stench of the smoke from the ruins of the neighbor’s house remains”. Solidarity in such a situation is a moral obligation. Without security, the Haitian economy will hardly be able to recover from the combined effect of multiple crises and epidemics, let alone retain the talent and able hands it needs for development. Countries must cooperate in the implementation of Council resolution 2653 (2022), including through data sharing, he stressed, adding that “every day without acting is a day of distress and murder there”. He then spotlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Haiti, emphasizing that, without an immediate response or better outlook, nearly 5 million Haitians face a food crisis and many thousands are at risk of famine. On the economic situation, he expressed hope that all logistical obstacles will be lifted to allow for resumed fuel distribution. As the political impasse cannot be resolved without a return to social peace and security, he encouraged Haitian political actors to maintain dialogue and reach an agreement on the organization of elections.
