UNITED NATIONS, Jan 22 (APP): Pakistan has told the UN Security Council that the future of Haiti, which faces grave challenges, hinges on the “decisive choices” of its leadership backed by adequate global support and regional solidarity, as gangs continue to expand their control across the Latin American country.
“We regret that the quagmire of political instability, security predicaments, humanitarian crises, issues of governance and the downslide in socio-economic indicators continue to plague the country,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said on Wednesday.
With the political transition set to expire on 7 February, he said it would be vital for all stakeholders to demonstrate unity, and not allow political expediencies to override the goals of achieving stability in Haiti, the poorest country in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Speaking in a debate on the escalating crises in Haiti, Ambassador Jadoon emphasized that the decisions in this regard must be meticulously calibrated, protecting future generations against instability and further deprivation.
Noting the new electoral calendar, the Pakistani envoy acknowledged the challenging timelines proposed, but said he remained hopeful that the Haitian authorities, with support from the UN and other international partners, would be able to hold national elections and ensure smooth transfer power to the elected representatives.
At the same time, he expressed concern over the continued gang savagery in the country as well as the long-term effects of protracted violence on the Haitian society.
“We strongly condemn the recruitment and exploitation of children by gangs,” and in this context, he lauded the role of BINUH (United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti) in enhancing security, stability, and peacebuilding in post-conflict or active conflict environments.
Long-term stability of Haiti requires a comprehensive and responsive Haitian-led and owned process, the Pakistani envoy said, adding that International support only remains a means to that end and cannot be a substitute for intra-Haitian solutions.
“Towards this end, the external assistance must, therefore, be well-coordinated and aimed at building the capacity of Haitian State, in line with Haitian needs, Ambassador Jadoon said. “What Haiti needs today, perhaps more than ever, is unity of purpose and not divisive politics.”
Opening the debate, Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, the head of BINUH, said Haiti had entered a “critical phase” in efforts to restore democratic institutions, calling on Haitian actors to contain political fragmentation and prioritize elections.
“Let us be clear: the country no longer has time to waste on prolonged internal struggles,” he said, stressing the need for continuity of governance arrangements beyond the February deadline and sustained coordination to bring the transition to a close.
Ruiz-Massieu said recent steps toward elections were encouraging, citing the adoption of an electoral decree on 1 December and the publication of a calendar for going to the polls later that month.
New provisions on voter registration, overseas voter participation, and women’s representation could boost inclusivity if effectively implemented, he added.
But progress on the political front is unfolding against a deteriorating security landscape.
Gangs continue to mount coordinated attacks, control key economic corridors and agricultural regions, and force mass displacement – stretching police and humanitarian capacity to the limit. The murder rate in 2025 rose by nearly 20 per cent compared with 2024, Ruiz-Massieu said.
Some security gains have been made. Police operations, supported by the Security Council-authorised Gang Suppression Force, have reopened roads in parts of Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite Department, while state presence around the capital’s Champ de Mars has been gradually restored.