I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary General Ms Helen La Lime and Ms Chantal Hudicourt Ewald for their briefings. I would also like to express Estonia´s strong support to Ms La Lime and her team for their valuable work.
This is a critical year for Haiti. As a cause of the long-lasting political, economic and humanitarian crisis, the country has become highly vulnerable. The first serious outbreak of COVID-19 has given its additional impact. Therefore, it is important that the allocations of vaccine doses reach more people in Haiti.
We are deeply concerned about the ongoing political impasse, lack of accountability as well as the worsening security and social situation that threaten the stability of Haiti. It is crucial to find a way out from the dire situation and restore the path to political stability and security in Haiti. More progress is needed in setting a consensual reform agenda to ensure free, fair, transparent and credible legislative, local and presidential elections in Autumn 2021. It is crucial to create the conditions to hold elections, as this is the only way to restore democratic institutions and a functioning government in Haiti. The Haitian people have the right to elect its leader and its representatives.
We welcome the decision of the Organization of American States to assist Haitian authorities in facilitating a dialogue amongst national stakeholders. In addition, the widely debated and controversial constitutional referendum cannot be held under the current conditions. Both, the referendum and the electoral process need to be inclusive and transparent.
The security situation remains challenging. We note with concern the continuous gang violence and the increased number of kidnappings and killings. It is of utmost importance to ensure public safety and provide security for Haitians. We encourage Haitian authorities to make further steps on the National Strategy on Community Violence Reduction.
Also, the human rights situation has deteriorated. Stronger measures against insecurity and impunity needs to be taken. We reiterate the importance of enhancing accountability and call the Government of Haiti to reform the justice system. Judicial institutions need to be strengthened to ensure that all cases are properly investigated and perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes. We support the establishment of the country office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti.
Lastly, the Haitian deserve a stable state with democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development. We remain hopeful that continued efforts of all parties will bring a better future for Haiti.