PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti--On the heels of days of intensifying anti-government protests in Haiti, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric said the UN was “concerned by reports of violence and arson” across the country.
And he told reporters that the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti MINUJUSTH was calling on everyone to “refrain from the use of violence”.
A deepening economic crisis along with chronic food and fuel shortages has seen thousands take to the streets, demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse. The protests are entering a fourth week.
Opposition leaders called for a nationwide day of resistance to the government, urging supporters to take to the streets, after a demonstration when several homes and businesses were set on fire, with police firing tear gas at protesters. Several have died during clashes in the past few weeks.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bocchit Edmond says Moïse is making efforts to pursue a Haitian national dialogue towards resolving the crisis.
However, he cautioned, “Haiti will not be able to recover without substantial sustained, sustainable, coherent, well-coordinated and effective support from the international community.”
While praising the work of the Haitian National Police, which “has done its utmost to provide security to the Haitian people, state institutions and private property,” the UN peacekeeping mission continues to closely follow recent developments.
At the same time, MINUJUSTH and international partners are in discussions with local participants to find a peaceful way out of the situation and alleviate the suffering of the population which, Dujarric said, “has been bearing the brunt of this crisis.”
Back in June, the Security Council approved a resolution to create a UN “Integrated Office” in Haiti to support the country’s government in strengthening political stability and good governance.
It will be run by a Special Representative, who will assist the government with planning elections; human rights training for Haitian National Police; responding to gang violence; ensuring compliance with international human rights obligations; improving prison oversight; and strengthening the justice sector.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (“Bureau Intégré des Nations Unies en Haïti (BINUH)”) will replace MINUJUSTH on October 16, ending 15 years of peacekeeping presence in the country. ~ Caribbean360 ~
