Political agreement in Haiti is a positive step

On 11 March in Jamaica, CARICOM announced that important progress has been made in the political dialogue in Haiti. A broad-based transitional governance arrangement will be established with the aim of paving the way for a peaceful transition of power and free and fair elections.  

‘An inclusive, Haitian-led political transition is necessary to re-establish democratic structures, promote the rule of law and safeguard the human rights of the population,’ said Mr. Eide.  

Haiti’s serious security challenges led the UN Security Council in 2023 to back the creation of a multinational force to help the Haitian Police regain control. The situation has deteriorated greatly since the country declared a state of emergency in early March due to renewed violent clashes with criminal gangs. These clashes have resulted in more deaths of innocent civilians, attacks on state institutions and mass escapes from several Haitian prisons.   

‘Once again, it is the people of the country who are most deeply affected by the actions of the gangs. I am deeply concerned about the suffering resulting from the escalating violence in Haiti. The killings, kidnappings and sexualised violence must cease. I hope the planned Multinational Security Support Mission, which has been authorised by the Security Council and is to be led by Kenya, will soon be in place,’ Mr. Eide said.   

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and more than 80 % of the capital is controlled by criminal gangs. The UN reports that nearly 1 200 people have been killed in gang violence so far this year, and more than 300 000 have become internally displaced. Haiti is facing one of the worst food crises across the globe. According to the World Food Programme, some 1.4 million people there may be facing famine.   

‘The humanitarian situation in Haiti is catastrophic. We must work simultaneously along multiple tracks, including long-term projects to address fundamental problems that lead to poverty. We will continue to support development projects in Haiti as well as the UN’s efforts in the country. Food security, climate change prevention and women’s rights are important priority areas for Norwegian support,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.