Guyanese envoy calls on Haiti to bridge differences, achieve transitional objectives

– warns continued division jeopardises progress

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, has urged Haitian political and civil society stakeholders to put aside their differences and work together to achieve the country’s transitional objectives, warning that continued division could jeopardise fragile progress being made toward peace and stability.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the A3+ group, comprising Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana, during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on The Question Concerning Haiti, Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett said the situation in Haiti remains dire, with 1.4 million people displaced and more than 27,000 migrants forcibly returned in recent months.
“As we meet to assess developments in Haiti, the reports paint a grim picture of a deteriorating security situation amid fears of an even more profound political crisis emerging from delays in the transition timeline,” she said. “The compounded effects of these challenges are placing greater strain on the Transitional Presidential Council, which is already working against the clock to complete the outstanding objectives of the Political Accord.”
Despite these challenges, the envoy highlighted “glimmers of hope”, noting that progress has been achieved in several areas, particularly through the reinforcement of international support and the Security Council’s decision to transition the MSS mission into a larger and more robust Gang Suppression Force. She said these developments, along with the gains made by Haitian security forces in and around Port-au-Prince, represent significant achievements that could help restore law and order and pave the way for elections.
The A3+ also welcomed the OAS Roadmap for Haiti, which outlines a comprehensive framework for stabilisation focusing on security, political consensus, and humanitarian aid. Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett said the roadmap, along with the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group’s Good Offices mandate, provides a valuable basis for aligning international and regional efforts with Haiti’s national priorities.
“Regional and international support must be accompanied by the firm determination and concerted action by all relevant Haitian stakeholders in strengthening cohesion and national consensus on the path ahead,” she emphasised. “Sustained progress in the security situation cannot be achieved without advancing the political process.”
The A3+ reaffirmed its call for meaningful dialogue among all Haitian stakeholders – including women, youth, and civil society – to bridge divisions and achieve the goals of the transitional period. The envoy noted encouraging developments, such as the July 3 Decree establishing the legal framework for a constitutional referendum and progress made in preparing for national elections, with the Electoral Council completing assessments of voting centres across nine of 10 departments.
Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett also recognised the technical and logistical assistance provided by the UN to support Haiti’s electoral preparations, underscoring that “a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned dialogue is critical to restoring and realising democratic governance.”
She commended the efforts of the BINUH (UN Integrated Office in Haiti) in supporting the Commission for the Implementation of Penal Reform and assisting Haitian authorities in implementing sanctions measures, pursuing gang leaders and collaborators, and operationalising two specialised judicial units established in April.
“The A3+ continues to emphasise that strengthening Haiti’s justice institutions and restoring the rule of law are critical to restoring security and achieving sustainable peace,” the envoy said, adding that this also requires full implementation of the arms embargo, with technical support from CARICOM IMPACS. She warned that preventing the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition into Haiti is essential to ending the cycle of violence.
The A3+ also endorsed the UN Secretary-General’s call for the appointment of a national institution responsible for disarmament, dismantlement, and reintegration (DDR) efforts, commending the Haitian authorities and their partners for the progress made in this area. “This promotes national ownership and sustainable progress,” she said, noting the vital role of these initiatives in long-term peacebuilding and stability.
Turning to the humanitarian crisis, Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett expressed deep concern about the severe funding gap for the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, describing it as “woefully underfunded.” She acknowledged the Haitian Government’s relocation programme, which has helped slightly reduce the number of internally displaced persons, but stressed that living conditions remain dire, especially for women, children, and persons with disabilities who face heightened protection risks.
“The A3+ urges the international community to scale up contributions to the humanitarian response plan,” she said. “The gap between needs and resources must be urgently addressed.”