New York (VNA) – Vietnam and Indonesia delivered a joint speech supporting efforts bythe government of Haiti in constitutional reform, and called on parties in Haitito enhance comprehensive dialogues, during a video conference of the UN SecurityCouncil (UNSC) on June 19.
The meeting lookedinto the situation in Haiti and the report of the UN Secretary General on theoperation of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
Both Vietnam andIndonesia expressed their concern over difficulties and uncertainties regarding the situation in Haiti, especially the adverse impact of the COVID-19pandemic.
They said they backthe electoral process and the intensification of women’s participation.
The two countriesalso lauded the BINUH for its measures in support of Haiti over the recentpast, and urged the office and the UN working group to identify concretemeasures to help Haiti deal with pressing issues.
Other UNSC membercountries praised the office’s supporting role in the political transformationand stressed the need for Haiti to step up political dialogues andconstitutional reform.
They voiced theirconcern over activities of armed criminal gangs, and appealed to theinternational community and other countries to continue their support to Haitiin handling these challenges.
Helen La Lime, Special Representative of theSecretary-General and head of the BINUH, said the situation in Haiti has calmeddown over the past time, and certain political parties have called on people tojoin efforts against the pandemic.
Haitihas confirmed 4,900 COVID-19 cases so far, with 84 deaths, she said, addingthat Haiti’s economy is expected to contract 4 percent this year whileinflation would expand 20 percent.
Theoffice has further assisted the Haiti government in such benchmark areas aspolitical governance, community violence reduction, justice and rule of law,human rights, unemployment, youth and other vulnerable groups, basic social servicedelivery and resilience, she said.
Established on June25, 2019, the BINUHworks primarily with state institutions to strengthen political stability and goodgovernance, including the rule of law; advance a peaceful and stable environment, includingthrough supporting an inclusive inter-Haitian national dialogue; and protect andpromote human rights.
The activities of themission that aim to help create the conditions needed for sustainabledevelopment are integrated with those of the 19 agencies, funds and programmesof the United Nations Country Team, which deliverhumanitarian assistance and implement development programmes under theleadership of national authorities./.