Statement , debate on MINUSTAH, at the United Nations Security Council

Mar 08,2012

Thank you, Mr President.

At the outset, I would like to join others in thanking SRSG Mariano Fernandez for his comprehensive briefing on recent developments in Haiti and for presenting the Secretary General’s report on MINUSTAH.

Mr. President, despite periods of political uncertainty and resultant instability during the last year, Haiti has made notable recovery from the devastating earthquake of January 2010. Today, people living in camps are less than the number last year; more than 1 million people have been relocated so far, several hundred schools have been rebuilt, health services have improved and more than 100,000 temporary shelter units has been built to accommodate 400,000 affected persons, emergency food assistance now covers 4 million Haitians and 5 million cubic meters of debris have been removed.

This would not have been possible without strong commitment and support of the international community. We commend the role played by the United Nations and its agencies as well as the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission.

The security situation has also improved though it remains fragile and suffers from insufficient policing capacity. Moreover, the country witnessed peaceful transfer of power last year reflecting on the faith of the Haitian population in democracy. The IMF noted in December 2011 that the economic situation in Haiti is improving and predicted positive GDP growth for the year 2012.

Progress in recovery and reconstruction has, however, been slowed down due to the continuing political uncertainty aftermath of elections last year. The delay in government formation for several months, lack of understanding between the two important organs of the government and avoidable controversies are unfortunately affecting the overall gains made on the recovery front. This has affected the donor confidence and OCHA’s appeal was funded only 55 per cent in 2011.

The political infighting has also delayed adoption of a number of legislative measures and preparations for elections to the Senate and local bodies appear stalled. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille last month has further exacerbated political tensions. We hope that the process of parliamentary approval for the new Prime Minister and formation of a new government will be completed soon.

Mr. President, the need of the hour is for the Haitian leaders to set aside their differences and work collectively for an effective administration that can implement reforms necessary for economic growth and strengthen the capacity of rule of law institutions. Political stability is fundamental to effective governance, which alone can stimulate development, investment and confidence of the international community.

Given the prevailing situation, the role of MINUSTAH continues to be critical for recovery efforts, for ensuring overall security and stability and for capacity building of Haitian national institutions, particularly the national police. This will also help the national authorities deal with the reported emergence of new armed groups belonging to the disbanded army.

We commend the leadership of MINUSTAH, its peacekeepers and engineers for doing excellent work in most demanding circumstances. MINUSTAH has provided security for the distribution of humanitarian assistance to some 4.3 million Haitians and helped provide temporary shelter to 1.5 million people. Military engineering companies have played a significant role in removal of rubble, repair of roads and setting up of temporary shelters. MINUSTAH’s important role in assisting the authorities respond to the epidemic and hurricane can hardly be overemphasized.

We hope that the Haitian national institutions will gradually assume larger role and ultimately take over MINUSTAH’s responsibilities. Against this backdrop, MINUSTAH should focus its efforts on supporting the political process, capacity building and consolidation of Haitian national institutions, including the national police force. Future force configuration of the Mission should be based on the overall improvement in the security situation as well as stabilization of the political and socio-economic situations.

Mr. President, India has contributed 3 Formed Police Units (FPUs) to MINUSTAH totaling 458 personnel. The performance of the Indian units has been widely appreciated in view of their exemplary dedication and devotion to duty. India also made a modest contribution to the efforts of the Haitian authorities to deal with the devastating earthquake in 2010.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, India made a cash contribution of US$ 5 million to the Government of Haiti towards relief measures as a token of our solidarity with the people of Haiti. India is also contributing US$ 500,000 every year since 2009 to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which continues to play an important role in recovery work in Haiti. We have also undertaken a waste management project under a joint IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) initiative. In addition, India will soon undertake a project for construction of low cost housing units.

In conclusion, Mr President, the continuing support of the international community coupled with stable and effective governance remains critical for sustainable peace, security, stability and development in Haiti. We remain committed to continue our support for the efforts of the Haitian authorities to rebuild the country. It is our hope that Haiti would soon emerge out of its current problems and move towards stability and development.

I thank you.

March 8, 2012

Thank you, Mr President.

At the outset, I would like to join others in thanking SRSG Mariano Fernandez for his comprehensive briefing on recent developments in Haiti and for presenting the Secretary General’s report on MINUSTAH.

Mr. President, despite periods of political uncertainty and resultant instability during the last year, Haiti has made notable recovery from the devastating earthquake of January 2010. Today, people living in camps are less than the number last year; more than 1 million people have been relocated so far, several hundred schools have been rebuilt, health services have improved and more than 100,000 temporary shelter units has been built to accommodate 400,000 affected persons, emergency food assistance now covers 4 million Haitians and 5 million cubic meters of debris have been removed.

This would not have been possible without strong commitment and support of the international community. We commend the role played by the United Nations and its agencies as well as the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission.

The security situation has also improved though it remains fragile and suffers from insufficient policing capacity. Moreover, the country witnessed peaceful transfer of power last year reflecting on the faith of the Haitian population in democracy. The IMF noted in December 2011 that the economic situation in Haiti is improving and predicted positive GDP growth for the year 2012.

Progress in recovery and reconstruction has, however, been slowed down due to the continuing political uncertainty aftermath of elections last year. The delay in government formation for several months, lack of understanding between the two important organs of the government and avoidable controversies are unfortunately affecting the overall gains made on the recovery front. This has affected the donor confidence and OCHA’s appeal was funded only 55 per cent in 2011.

The political infighting has also delayed adoption of a number of legislative measures and preparations for elections to the Senate and local bodies appear stalled. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille last month has further exacerbated political tensions. We hope that the process of parliamentary approval for the new Prime Minister and formation of a new government will be completed soon.

Mr. President, the need of the hour is for the Haitian leaders to set aside their differences and work collectively for an effective administration that can implement reforms necessary for economic growth and strengthen the capacity of rule of law institutions. Political stability is fundamental to effective governance, which alone can stimulate development, investment and confidence of the international community.

Given the prevailing situation, the role of MINUSTAH continues to be critical for recovery efforts, for ensuring overall security and stability and for capacity building of Haitian national institutions, particularly the national police. This will also help the national authorities deal with the reported emergence of new armed groups belonging to the disbanded army.

We commend the leadership of MINUSTAH, its peacekeepers and engineers for doing excellent work in most demanding circumstances. MINUSTAH has provided security for the distribution of humanitarian assistance to some 4.3 million Haitians and helped provide temporary shelter to 1.5 million people. Military engineering companies have played a significant role in removal of rubble, repair of roads and setting up of temporary shelters. MINUSTAH’s important role in assisting the authorities respond to the epidemic and hurricane can hardly be overemphasized.

We hope that the Haitian national institutions will gradually assume larger role and ultimately take over MINUSTAH’s responsibilities. Against this backdrop, MINUSTAH should focus its efforts on supporting the political process, capacity building and consolidation of Haitian national institutions, including the national police force. Future force configuration of the Mission should be based on the overall improvement in the security situation as well as stabilization of the political and socio-economic situations.

Mr. President, India has contributed 3 Formed Police Units (FPUs) to MINUSTAH totaling 458 personnel. The performance of the Indian units has been widely appreciated in view of their exemplary dedication and devotion to duty. India also made a modest contribution to the efforts of the Haitian authorities to deal with the devastating earthquake in 2010.

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, India made a cash contribution of US$ 5 million to the Government of Haiti towards relief measures as a token of our solidarity with the people of Haiti. India is also contributing US$ 500,000 every year since 2009 to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which continues to play an important role in recovery work in Haiti. We have also undertaken a waste management project under a joint IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) initiative. In addition, India will soon undertake a project for construction of low cost housing units.

In conclusion, Mr President, the continuing support of the international community coupled with stable and effective governance remains critical for sustainable peace, security, stability and development in Haiti. We remain committed to continue our support for the efforts of the Haitian authorities to rebuild the country. It is our hope that Haiti would soon emerge out of its current problems and move towards stability and development.

I thank you.