United Nations (TDI): As Haiti’s political transition deadline approaches, Pakistan has urged the United Nations to support a Haitian-led solution to the country’s deepening crises, emphasizing the need for unity and sustained international backing.
Speaking at the UN Security Council, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Pakistan’s acting permanent representative, said the nation faced “grave challenges” from expanding gang control, political instability, humanitarian emergencies, and declining socio-economic indicators.
“The quagmire of political instability, security predicaments, humanitarian crises, governance issues, and socio-economic decline continues to plague Haiti,” Ambassador Jadoon said, stressing that decisive leadership, regional solidarity, and global support were essential to guide the country toward stability.
With the current political transition set to expire on February 7, the Pakistani envoy called on all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over political expediency. “Decisions must be carefully calibrated to protect future generations from further deprivation and instability,” he said.
Acknowledging Haiti’s new electoral calendar, Ambassador Jadoon expressed hope that Haitian authorities, supported by the UN and other international partners, could hold credible elections and ensure a smooth transfer of power. At the same time, he highlighted the ongoing threats posed by gang violence and its long-term social impact.
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“We strongly condemn the recruitment and exploitation of children by gangs,” he said, praising the role of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) in promoting security, stability, and peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas.
Jadoon emphasized that Haiti’s long-term stability must be Haitian-led and Haitian-owned, with international assistance serving only to support local capacity. “External support must be well-coordinated and aligned with Haitian priorities,” he said.
Opening the debate, BINUH head Carlos Ruiz-Massieu warned that Haiti had entered a “critical phase” in restoring democratic institutions and called for 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, noting that continuity of governance arrangements beyond February and coordinated international support were vital.
Ruiz-Massieu acknowledged steps toward elections, including the adoption of an electoral decree on December 1 and the publication of a voting calendar later that month. He highlighted new provisions for voter registration, overseas voting, and women’s representation, which could enhance inclusivity if properly implemented.
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However, these political gains are unfolding against a worsening security landscape. Gangs continue to mount coordinated attacks, control key economic and agricultural regions, and force mass displacements, stretching police and humanitarian resources. The murder rate in 2025 rose nearly 20 percent compared with 2024, Ruiz-Massieu said.
Some security progress has been achieved: police operations, backed by the UN-authorized Gang Suppression Force, have reopened roads in parts of Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite Department, and state presence near the capital’s Champ de Mars is gradually being restored.
