23 April 2026 15:36 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government notes progress but says situation remains fragile

Key points

Welcomes arrival of first contingents from Chad in Port-au-Prince
Calls for scaled deployments, robust child protection, and DDR support

TL;DR

Welcomes steps toward national unity and free and fair elections, including the National Pact for Stability.
Welcomes arrival of first contingents from Chad in Port-au-Prince and calls for scaled deployments in line with resolution 2793, including robust child protection measures.
Calls on the Haitian Government to prioritise protection of vulnerable groups, fully implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs, and support nationally led DDR programmes; notes significant internal displacement, with half of displaced persons being children.

Original text

We note the positive indicators of progress set out by the briefers today. In particular, we welcome steps to promote national unity towards the holding of free and fair elections, including the National Pact for Stability and the organisation of elections. However, the situation remains fragile. This Council meets at a critical time when planning for the Gang Suppression Force has shifted to on the ground deployment. We welcome the arrival of the first contingents from Chad in Port-au-Prince. It is important that these deployments are scaled up to allow for effective and strategic operations against the gangs in line with the framework authorised by this Council in resolution 2793, which includes robust child protection measures. We call on the Government to prioritise protection of vulnerable groups and fully implement the handover protocol for children associated with gangs. This includes the establishment of the promised task force and framework to ensure compliance. We look forward to the next update from the Secretary-General including options for the UN to support nationally led Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration. It is important that the Haitian Government dedicates resources to ensuring children are treated primarily as victims and can enter fit for purpose DDR programmes. President, an estimated one in eight people in Haiti are now internally displaced. Half of them are children. It is imperative that the Government ensures that these internally displaced persons can access social programmes. Support must reach those most vulnerable. Often these are women and girls who have faced horrific crimes of sexual and gender-based violence before experiencing further hardship in makeshift settlements where further exploitation and abuse can occur. President, to conclude, there is tangible progress but challenges clearly remain. Stability and lasting peace can only be achieved through decisive political action by all Haitian stakeholders, working alongside the international community, focused on the needs of the Haitian people, who have already suffered for far too long.

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Port-au-prince

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Chad
Haiti