UNGA President expresses solidarity on Haiti visit

H.E Mr. Francis and his delegation were received in Port-au-Prince by the country’s Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ariel Henry, the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Antonio Rodrigue, and members of the Haitian Government. President Francis met with representatives of political parties, civil society, UN officials and visited a primary school. He reiterated that “the international community has not forgotten the Haitian people” at this time of crisis. The UNGA leader encouraged a resolute commitment to an all-inclusive national dialogue leading to elections and strengthening the rule of law.

New York/Port-au-Prince, 21 November 2023 – The President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis, concluded a two-day official visit to the Republic of Haiti by expressing support and solidarity with the Haitian people as the country faces multiple crises.

Upon his arrival to the capital city, Port-au-Prince, on Monday, President Francis held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Ariel Henry, and emphasized that the international community has not forgotten the country and its citizens.

They exchanged views on the ongoing political situation in the Caribbean Island, including the impending deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2699.

President Francis encouraged further progress to resolve the political, security and humanitarian challenges in order to focus on the longer-term sustainable development of the country and the well-being of the Haitian people.

The PGA held separate meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Jean Victor Généus, the Minister of Justice, H.E. Ms. Emmelie Prophète, and the Minister of Women’s Affairs, H.E. Ms. Sofia Loréus.  The PGA expressed his concern about the escalation of violence including sexual violence against women and girls being committed by gangs and discussed possible mechanisms for enhanced protection.

The President started the second and last day of his visit by receiving a comprehensive briefing on the security situation in the country followed by a meeting with the representatives of UN agencies and funds in Haiti (UN Country Team) at the premises of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). President Francis thanked the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti, Ms. María Isabel Salvador, her deputy Ms. Ulrika Richardson, and all the UN staff in Haiti for their dedication to the execution of their respective mandates under challenging circumstances.

In his encounter with representatives of political parties, the President stressed the urgent need to identify concrete avenues in which the international community can support Haitian-led solutions to restore and maintain the country’s stability and sustainable development. The President further reflected upon the importance of returning to constitutional order and of reinstating Haiti’s most basic public services to meet the needs of the country’s population.

President Francis urged all political actors and national stakeholders to engage in a dialogue facilitated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which aims to build political consensus, towards a solution to the current crises.

The President also exchanged with members of civil society and commended their active engagement in national discussions to improve good governance and promote human rights. For the PGA, a successful way forward must include the aspirations and reflections of the larger population.  He encouraged the active participation of women, girls and youth as an essential part of an all-inclusive political process on the future of Haiti.

Before returning to New York, the President of the General Assembly paid a visit to the Canapé-Vert School, in Port-au-Prince, and interacted with the students. There he witnessed the discipline of the students and saw the promise and potential of Haiti in their youthful eyes.

President Dennis Francis travelled to Haiti with his Chef de Cabinet, his Special Envoy and Special Adviser-designate on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as his Adviser on Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and a Communications Adviser. Travel costs for the OPGA team were covered by the Office’s Trust Fund.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Carolina Nazzaro, Media Adviser to the President of the General Assembly: carolina.nazzaro@un.org

Ms. Monica Grayley, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly: grayley@un.org