75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Security Council on Haiti under AOB
Statement by the DPR, Mr Andre Lipand
August 23, New York
I thank the briefers for the assessment of the situation in Haiti and comprehensive overview on the UN’s activities on the ground at this difficult time. Estonia stands in solidarity with the people of Haiti and expresses condolences to those affected by the earthquake. It is heartbreaking that more than 2000 people have died and 10 000 were injured in this tragedy. Thousands of homes, as well as hospitals and schools, churches, bridges and roads have been destroyed or damaged, and need to be rebuilt.
We commend BINUH and UN agencies’ work on the ground in mobilizing humanitarian aid, resources and personnel in support of the Haiti’s Government response. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s recent visit to Haiti was a timely and good expression of support to the people and government of Haiti. We particularly appreciate the hard work of the UNICEF staff on the ground to ensure the protection of children – as over half a million children were affected by this terrible quake. We stress the importance to scale up all international efforts to provide for people, in particular for women and children access to shelter, safe water, health care and nutrition.
The situation is even sadder (as we heard), as Haiti is facing a third wave of COVID-19, with a chronically fragile health system. The country is also struggling to access vaccines. Criminal violence and insecurity complicate even further the humanitarian response, and as reported (by UNICEF) – the main road from Port-au-Prince to the south of the country is controlled by gangs.
In all these devastating circumstances, it is more important than ever that all political stakeholders set aside their differences and engage in a meaningful dialogue in the interest of peace and stability. All political stakeholders must also refrain from any acts of, or incitement to, violence. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and civil society should be given visibility and included to all decision–making processes in the country. Hopefully, this deep crisis unites people and gives impetus for striving political and economic stability.
Finally, I would like to echo the Secretary-General’s words: people of Haiti are not alone, we will stand by their side and support them in their way out of this crisis.