HRC57 - NB8 statement - Haiti

Human Rights Council ‒ 57th session
Item 10: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on interim report on Haiti
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states
8 October 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states.

We thank the Office of the High Commissioner for the interim report and affirm our support to restoring stability, rebuilding democratic institutions, and ensuring accountability in Haiti.

We remain gravely concerned by reports of ongoing and escalating human rights violations and abuses in Haiti.

Violent clashes between gangs and gang attacks against unarmed actors continue to erode the country’s political environment and social fabric, intensifying the dire humanitarian situation and inflicting unimaginable suffering upon civilians.

We are particularly alarmed by the violence’s disproportionate impact on women and children with increasing rates of sexual and gender-based violence and the active recruitment of children.

Despite the grave and ongoing human rights challenges facing Haiti, we commend the progress made towards transitional governance arrangements. In this regard, we also welcome the progress made by the Multinational Security Support mission in restoring public security to the benefit of the Haitian people.

These advancements are crucial to rebuild trust in democratic institutions, foster accountability, and facilitate Haiti’s path towards peace, stability and justice.

High Commissioner,

How can the international community assist in preserving and strengthening efforts towards transitional governance in Haiti?

I thank you.