Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on
Haiti.
"Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive
Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today.
And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti,
the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting.
I will make three points.
First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the
escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
As we have heard today, this crisis is driven by gang violence
and instability that devastates communities and undermines
efforts to restore democratic governance.
We are particularly concerned by the impacts on children, who are
among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis.
One in eight children in Haiti have been displaced. Armed gangs
are systematically recruiting minors, fuelling a surge in
exploitation, sexual violence and abuse.
These atrocities spread fear and inflict lasting trauma on
Haiti's young people.
The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to supporting efforts
to tackle insecurity in Haiti, and we unequivocally condemn the
use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool of control and
terror.
Second, we commend Kenya's leadership of the Multinational
Security Support Mission.
And we express our strong support for the vital work of
international partners, including BINUH, in helping the Haitian
authority deliver change for the Haitian people.
As part of this commitment, the UK has provided $6.7 million to
fund OHCHR's work with the MSS to help ensure compliance with
international standards on human rights, conduct and
discipline.
In parallel, we continue to take action against those responsible
for human rights violations, including through the implementation
of targeted sanctions.
Third, re-establishing security is essential to Haiti's long-term
stability and to alleviating suffering.
In this context, we welcome the Secretary General's
recommendations for enhanced security assistance for Haiti.
President, we stand ready to work with the US, Panama and all
Council members to mobilise that support to the Haitian people,
and help Haiti's children enjoy a future free from violence, fear
and hunger."
