The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Haiti has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The acceptance was formalized by Ambassador Justin Viard, who presented Haiti's instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. This brings the total number of WTO members who have ratified the agreement to 61.
Adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference on June 17, 2022, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a significant step towards addressing global fish stock depletion. It bans harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a major contributor to this issue. According to information provided by the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies webpage, this agreement marks the first instance of a sustainable development goal target being achieved through a multilateral agreement. It also stands as the first WTO agreement with an explicit focus on environmental concerns.
In a press release issued by the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala expressed her approval of Haiti's decision: "I warmly welcome Haiti's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. As a small island developing state and least-developed country, Haiti's support for this landmark agreement for ocean sustainability is highly commendable. I fervently hope the remaining WTO members emulate Haiti's example as we approach the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13)."
Viard also commented on Haiti's ratification in another press release from the WTO: "By ratifying the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the Republic of Haiti is making its contribution to efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the management of ocean resources. These subsidies contribute to the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of marine habitats. Investment will need to be redirected toward initiatives that support conservation of marine resources and sustainable development."
Viard further elaborated: "The world is impatient to take this essential step toward ensuring long-term sustainability of our oceans and food security for the millions of people around the world that depend on them. It is a complex challenge, but it is our duty to work together to respond to this challenge and ensure our own survival and that of future generations."