Topic:
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Taha Ibrahim
Committee: Security Council (UNSC)
Topic: Situation in Haiti
Country: Republic of Albania
Delegate: Taha Ibrahim
School: Forest Hills Northern HS
The Haitian Republic has been plagued with misfortune since its impressive independence effort. Its growth has been stunted by the billions of dollars in debt imposed by France, its geographic location being a hotspot for earthquakes and tropical storms, and widespread corruption and poverty throughout its history. Political violence has been rampant since President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forcibly removed in a 2004 coup d’état. Three separate attempts have been made to maintain peace in Haiti with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the MINUJUSTH, and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Peacekeeping forces left in 2019 while Haiti continued to suffer through hyperinflation and rising poverty rates. At the time, demands were made for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise following allegations of corruption. These protests culminated until President Moise was assassinated in 2021. In the two years following the assassination, Haiti has not yet held an election while Acting President Ariel Henry serves without a mandate. Without structure, armed gangs control much of the country, including an estimated 80% of Port-au-Prince. This ongoing gang violence has led to the death of around 2,000 civilians, and over 1,000 kidnappings have been reported throughout the first half of 2023. Millions lack access to food, and a cholera epidemic has been running rampant. Resolving this issue must be handled with great care and planning to prevent further destabilization.
The Republic of Albania fully supports the continuation of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti. The cycle of violence in Haiti is perpetuated by an already deteriorating humanitarian situation, suffering from a lack of food, economic instability, and rampant disease. Albania extends a hand to the nation of Haiti in these trying times as efforts for humanitarian support continue to be discussed. Countless youth and civilians are in danger thanks to widespread gang violence. The Republic of Albania affirms that any group within Haiti that finances or profits from gang violence should be held accountable. Law and order must be restored to Haiti immediately to reinstate functioning state institutions.
The Republic of Albania believes the solution begins with establishing legitimacy and order to the current Haitian Government; without it, chaos and turmoil will continue to plague the lives of civilians. Gang rule and violence must be rooted out through legitimate force. Haiti needs all the help it can get in removing gangs. Investigations may be conducted to locate leaders, and information can be provided to Haiti’s police force. Concerning Haiti’s police force, better training and improved equipment are necessary, as the Haitian police are undermanned, underpaid, and underequipped. Albania understands that the solution to Haiti’s problems needs to come from the Haitians themselves. It is they, and only they, who can lead the solution. Albania also calls upon the Security Council to work in conjunction with the World Health Organization to prevent further spread of the ongoing cholera epidemic to keep more civilians safe. The Republic of Albania is willing to work and cooperate with any nations that wish to support efforts to restore stability to Haiti and establish a Haitian solution for their ongoing conflict.
