Statement of Latvia at the UNSC meeting on BINUH’s mandate renewal
New York, 29 January 2026
Mr. President,
I wish to thank the penholders, Panama and US, for their dedicated and constructive leadership in bringing the resolution on BINUH’s mandate forward and welcome the unanimous adoption.
Latvia underscores the crucial role that BINUH plays in assisting Haitian authorities to return to stability and rule of law and, therefore gives its full support to BINUH’s renewed mandate. It corresponds to the current security challenges, political and human rights situation as well as strengthens the UN ecosystem in Haiti, along the deployment of GSF and operationalization of UNSOH.
We welcome the inclusion and strengthening of two tasks in the mandate, in particular:
First, support to Haitian authorities in their efforts to reduce community violence and design a national program for DDR, especially for children associated with gangs. It is of utmost importance that children are seen first and foremost as victims and have an alternative of safe pathways to exit and disengage from the gangs at all times.
Second, the strengthening of the Human Rights Unit at BINUH. The mandate calls for a dedicated protection advisor capacity, which we understand to include one Women’s Protection Adviser and one Child Protection Adviser. Their presence is essential to continue monitoring and reporting on human rights violations in Haiti, including reporting on sexual and gender-based violence, and grave violations against children, to help the Haitian authorities improve the protection of human rights in the country and combat impunity.
We reiterate the importance of Women, Peace and Security agenda in the context of Haiti. Also, as the country prepares for the elections this year, it is essential that full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women in political processes continues to be supported and promoted in Haiti.
I thank you.