Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes on BINUH’s Briefing to the UNSC on the Situation in Haiti
20 July 2026
Thank you, Madam President,
I thank SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Executive Director of UNODC Monica Juma, SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Frazier and Special Representative for the GSF Jack Christofides for their very comprehensive briefings. I welcome the participating Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Haiti and Dominican Republic at the meeting.
Madam President,
Haiti stands at a pivotal moment. While security, humanitarian and political challenges remain profound, they also underscore the urgency of restoring democratic governance. We welcome the positive steps, namely, amended electoral decree and the presentation of a revised, balanced electoral budget. We encourage the Haitian authorities not to delay announcement of a clear and realistic electoral calendar.
Holding elections is essential to rebuilding public confidence, demonstrating accountability to national stakeholders and the Haitian people who desire peace, security and stability. The current window of opportunity provides momentum, which is why the preparations for the electoral process, including the expected start of the voter registration, must take place alongside the efforts to ensure optimal security conditions for inclusive and credible elections.
Madam President,
The deployment of the GSF is a gamechanger. We commend the GSF, UNSOH and BINUH for their efforts and support to Haiti under exceptionally difficult circumstances. We express our appreciation to all the member states for contributing personnel, equipment, and funds at this critical time. As security operations continue, it is equally important that the Haitian national and international security forces fully comply with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, human rights law and international humanitarian law at all times.
Compliance with human rights is not only a legal obligation but also essential for strengthening public trust and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of security efforts. We also recall that women and girls are among those most severely affected by gang violence, which is why gender-responsive approach must be integrated and implemented efficiently.
At the same time, lasting peace cannot be achieved through security measures alone. We encourage the Haitian authorities to accelerate the development and implementation of a comprehensive and nationally owned Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration strategy. We reiterate that early implementation of DDR programs is key to achieve durable security gains and prevent gangs from regaining ground.
Existing proposals prepared by national and international stakeholders, also reflected in the latest SG report on DDR strategy, provide a valuable foundation and should be carefully reviewed and adapted to current realities promptly. Child protection and special pathways for women and girls associated with gangs must be prioritized.
Madam President,
Sustainable progress in Haiti requires continued institutional reforms, particularly within the justice sector. The main enablers of gang violence in Haiti such as weak governance, widespread corruption and a fragile judiciary should be addressed and tackled decisively to achieve concrete judicial outcomes and restore the much-needed trust in public institutions in Haiti. Structural reforms are fundamental for building resilient institutions capable of delivering justice, combating impunity and laying the foundation for lasting peace and economic development in Haiti.
We also expect a swift and full operationalization of the two specialized judicial poles inaugurated in May to address mass crimes, including sexual violence. We encourage the Haitian government to ensure comprehensive protection to women and girls of Haiti who face constant danger, insecurity, harassment and brutality. We have observed that the participation of women in different levels of governance and decision-making institutions in Haiti is well below the target of 30% established in the constitution. Significant improvement of the lives of women and and girls Haiti cannot be expected without a full, equal and meaningufl participation in the elections and in decision-making institutions at all levels of governance.
Finally, Latvia continues to fully support BINUH’s work. Fostering inclusive political dialogue, supporting credible electoral processes, strengthening the rule of law, advancing WPS agenda in Haiti matters, for positive change, recovery and long-term stability, that the Haitian people deserve. Latvia remains committed to these objectives.
I thank you.