In his remarks to the annual debate of the UN General Assembly, Mr Leblanc, Haiti’s transition leader, called for the initiation of a discussion on transforming the currently deployed Security Support Mission into a UN-mandated peacekeeping operation.
“This transformation would make it possible to secure more stable financing and expand the mission’s capabilities, but also to strengthen the commitment of UN Member States to security in Haiti,” he said, then outlined a somber image of a country whose future is uncertain. in danger as the country struggles to contain raging gang violence.
Haiti is currently in the grip of an “unprecedented security crisis” characterized by the proliferation of armed gangs, widespread violence and political instability. “Citizens live in fear of even moving freely or going to school, especially around the capital Port au Prince.”
This situation is affecting all aspects of Haitian life, weakening the country’s institutions, crippling the economy and undermining hopes for a better future, said Mr. Leblanc, whose official title is President of the Presidential Council for the Transition.
“The future of the country is under threat: 50 percent of gang members in the capital region are children – girls and boys used as cannon fodder in gang operations against Haitian police,” he continued.
But despite the challenges they face, “the Haitian people refuse to be overcome by despair,” Mr. Leblanc said, emphasizing that his Transitional Council is determined to lead Haiti towards peace, security and participatory democracy by holding a national conference that would nominate candidates for national elections.
Mr. Leblanc further recalled the dedication and hardworking spirit shown by Haitians at home and abroad. Indeed, Haitian immigrants have long played an important role in American society, he said, telling the Assembly that he was grateful to those who had shown solidarity with Haitian migrants, especially in the American city of Springfield, Ohio.
“The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country like the United States – a country created by immigrants from all countries.”
