Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this briefing. We also express gratitude to SRSG María Isabel Salvador, Dr. Monica Juma, and Ms. Pascale Solages for their updates and to the BINUH team in Haiti.
The recent Secretary-General report and subsequent testimonies reveal alarming patterns in Haiti, such as increased fatalities, acts of sexual violence, and child recruitment into gangs. The nation continues to face severe challenges in both security and governance. We extend heartfelt condolences to Haiti's citizens for their losses and to Kenya for the fallen MSS police officers.
Praising SRSG Salvador's team, we acknowledge the difficulties posed by the entrenched security issues impeding BINUH's mandate implementation. Widespread gang violence has severely disrupted essential services critical to BINUH's operations. The team in Haiti operates with minimal staff on the ground, supported by a doctor, a rotating nurse, and a UN Volunteer.
The current security situation in Haiti renders a Special Political Mission insufficient, even with enhancements, to address the growing threat of gang violence. Elections and democratic restoration remain distant prospects, and safety concerns extend beyond Port-au-Prince to other areas.
The U.S. supports CARICOM's denunciation of actions destabilizing Haiti's institutions and backs the Kenya-led MSS mission aiding the Haitian National Police in combating gangs. Corruption exacerbates the crisis, and those who misuse office, collaborate with gangs, or engage in arms trafficking must be condemned. Such conditions enable ongoing violence.
We anticipate recommendations from the Haiti Panel of Experts on sanction targets, seeing UN asset freezes and travel bans as vital accountability measures. Promoting accountability and anti-corruption measures is essential to ending the violence swiftly.
Long-term sustainability of international stabilization efforts, including BINUH and the MSS mission, requires serious attention. The U.S. government is committed to working with Haitian authorities, BINUH, the MSS mission, the Organization of American States, and global partners. We urge international stakeholders to contribute fairly to these efforts.
Our commitment to aiding the Haitian people in achieving lasting peace and prosperity remains strong. Yet, we emphasize that the U.S. cannot continue shouldering the financial burden alone.
I thank you.