UN calls for responsible action in the face of political crisis in Haiti – 2024-03-13 23:54:00

United Nations/Prensa Latina

The Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, called this Tuesday for responsible action to restore democratic institutions in Haiti, amid the chaos unleashed by violence.

Guterres took note of the agreement reached on Monday by stakeholders for transitional governance in the Caribbean nation, which included the establishment of a Presidential Council and the appointment of an interim prime minister. In a statement released by his spokesperson, the high representative thanked the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the rest of the facilitators of the dialogue for a solution to the Haitian political crisis.

In addition, he asked the parties to adopt measures to implement the agreement, in order to restore democratic institutions through peaceful, credible, participatory and inclusive elections.

Guterres reiterated the United Nations’ unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti who need safety, shelter, food and medical care, as well as to live their lives with dignity.

His statement coincides with the alarming escalation of insecurity, derived from the political crisis and the actions of organized crime gangs.

The violence of recent weeks, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, keeps civilians trapped in a state of emergency and constant attacks by gang members. This Tuesday, the World Food Program (WFP) warned of a “very high” level of hunger, while violence puts humanitarian work on the ground at risk.

The escalation caused nearly 15,000 new displacements during the first weekend of March, bringing the total number of displaced people in Haiti to more than 360,000.

The national director of the WFP in the country, Jean-Martin Bauer, confirmed that the main roads to Port-au-Prince are controlled by armed groups, while the port is not operational, after it was taken over by gangs.

“That means that food cannot reach Port-au-Prince by road or by sea,” he told reporters gathered at UN headquarters during a virtual news conference.

At the same time, flights to the capital were also interrupted due to the threat of the gangs.

The Caribbean nation depends on food imports for 50 percent of its supply, which is why current circumstances lead to an increase in the cost of the basic basket.

Since last week, the UN also warned of the lack of capacity of the health system and the massive displacements along with the shortage of goods and resources such as water and basic services.