UN Secretary-General Thanks Dominican Republic for Supporting Stability in Haiti
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed profound gratitude on Monday towards the Dominican Republic for its invaluable support in stabilizing Haiti. During his visit to Santo Domingo, Guterres highlighted the critical role played by the Dominican government in facilitating the resolution that established the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) by the UN Security Council.
A Context of Crisis
Haiti is currently facing a dire situation. The UN has reported that the ongoing crisis has resulted in at least 2,310 deaths and 1,106 injuries during the first five months of this year alone. Armed gangs exert control over nearly 90% of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
According to the United Nations Office for Human Rights, the gangs have been responsible for 99 kidnappings and have inflicted sexual violence on 699 individuals—predominantly women and girls—while hundreds of minors remain vulnerable to trafficking networks.
Diplomatic Engagement and Support
Guterres’s trip to the Dominican Republic included a scheduled meeting with President Luis Abinader and an upcoming visit to Haiti. Upon arriving at Las Américas International Airport, he remarked, “On behalf of the United Nations, I want to thank the Dominican Republic for its enormous generosity.” He emphasized that the swift establishment of the support mission in Haiti, necessary for the GSF’s start, could not have been accomplished without the Dominican Republic’s commitment and cooperation.
The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the country’s efforts went beyond mere diplomatic engagement. They provided specialized medical assistance, logistical support, and established a support office for the GSF within their territory.
Coordinated Efforts and International Responsibility
The Dominican Republic has been proactive in maintaining international attention on Haiti’s plight. Its diplomatic efforts extend to the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and various multilateral forums, advocating for greater international responsibility in addressing Haiti’s crisis—one that directly impacts Dominican and regional stability.
Upon his arrival, Guterres was welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Multilateral Foreign Policy, Ruben Silié, and the UN resident coordinator in the Dominican Republic, Julia Sanchez. This reception underscores the collaborative spirit in tackling the profound challenges facing Haiti.
Final Thoughts
This collaborative relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United Nations represents a significant step towards addressing the ongoing turmoil in Haiti. The partnership serves as a reminder of the importance of regional collaboration and solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises. The efforts to stabilize Haiti, though fraught with challenges, are supported by a committed Dominican Republic—an ally in the quest for peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the United Nations Secretary-General’s acknowledgment of these efforts sheds light on the critical role that neighboring nations play in fostering stability and security in an increasingly interconnected world.