PRESS RELEASE : This adoption is an important step to help address the dire security situation in Haiti – UK statement at the Security Council [October 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2023.
Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.
Let me begin by congratulating Brazil on assuming the Presidency of the Council this month. I join others in welcoming Foreign Minister Généus of Haiti as well as representatives of Kenya, Jamaica and Guyana to our meeting.
The UK is pleased to have voted in favour of this resolution, which authorises under Chapter VII, the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti as requested by the Haitian Government.
We are grateful to the US and Ecuador for their tireless efforts to build support within the Council. This Multinational Security Support is an important step to help the Haitian National Police address the deteriorating security situation in their country. It paves the way for further efforts to address the connected security, humanitarian, political and economic crises. We look forward to it upholding the highest international standards.
President, the UK pays tribute to the leadership shown by Kenya in stepping forward to lead the mission. We also welcome the engagement of Member States from CARICOM and beyond in this multinational effort to help the people of Haiti.
We call on all actors in Haiti to engage constructively to prepare for the holding of inclusive, free and fair legislative and presidential elections, as soon as the local security conditions permit.
Today’s adoption is an important step to help address the dire security situation in Haiti – but for the longer term, only a political solution can give the Haitian people the security and prosperity they deserve.
