Thursday at the UN headquarters, Sandra Honoré, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General presented to the Security Council, its interim report on the situation in Haiti.

Mrs. Sandra Honoré stated that Haiti’s gains in peace, security and stability should be sustained through consolidation of the democratic process, the rule of law and good governance. Despite some progress towards the holding of the overdue legislative, partial senatorial and municipal elections, she observed that continuing disagreements and mistrust between the Executive and opposition groups were causing repeated delays. She noted that given that no tangible headway had been achieved on the required legal framework, the window of opportunity to hold the first round of elections in 2014 had narrowed significantly. The SRSG called on all political actors to continue to seek a solution within the framework of the Constitution, which will enable the holding of elections as soon as possible and a peaceful democratic transition in 2015.

Sandra Honoré noted that the overall security situation in Haiti has remained relatively stable, including in the five Departments vacated by Minustah’s military component. She cautioned, however, that the Haitian National Police did not yet have the capacity to provide security throughout the country without logistics and operational support from Minustah, particularly when surge capacity was needed. SRSG Honoré stressed that further strengthening of the national police, as well as complementary measures to accelerate justice reform, support institution building and improve local governance remained critical for continued stabilization of Haiti. Sustained financial support and commitment by the Government of Haiti and international partners was required, in particular to accompany the gradual transfer of Mission activities.

The Special Representative further noted that in light of the significant stabilization gains made in Haiti over the past years, the Secretary-General had recommended to deepen the Mission’s ongoing consolidation process, including a reduction in the Mission’s military component to two battalions by June 2015, while maintaining the Police component at near current levels. She expressed confidence that this configuration would provide the Mission with adequate resources to support Haitian institutions and address any foreseeable security risks, and informed the Council that the proposed gradual reduction would be underpinned by a comprehensive transition-plan, which will determine the Mission’s future priorities, as well as areas for transfer to national institutions and international partners.

The renewal of Minustah’s mandate is expected in October this year.

HL/ HaitiLibre