New York, 13 September 2010

Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations
at the UN Security Council Debate
on the question concerning Haiti
Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission
in Haiti (S/2010/446)

I would like to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive briefing, and the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his additional comments before the Council.

Bosnia and Herzegovina takes positive note of the efforts of the Government of Haiti, which, with the steady assistance of the international community, is largely overcoming the immediate humanitarian and security challenges that Haiti has faced in the period after the earthquake. We commend the international community on its efforts and commitment to address the remaining challenges and help the people of Haiti to build a prosperous future. However, much more has to be done in order to address the fundamental consequences of the earthquake.

Haiti still faces a grim reality, with hundreds of thousands of internally displaced (IDPs) and a fragile political, social and economic situation. In the coming period, which will be marked by extensive reconstruction efforts and presidential and legislative elections, it will be critical to ensure stability and security within the country.

With regard to the forthcoming elections, both presidential and legislative, which, according to the calendar established by the Government, will be held on 28 November 2010, we urge the Government to do use all means at its disposal to ensure that the elections are free and fair. Only credible and legitimate elections will guarantee political stability in this critical period for the country. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has an important role to play in providing assistance to the Government of Haiti in organizing elections in accordance with Security Council resolution 1927 (2010). It is essential that MINUSTAH, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, continue to provide technical support to the Provisional Electoral Council.

Bearing in mind that the elections also constitute a potential security challenge, the cooperation between MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police in the preparation of an integrated electoral logistics and security plan is commendable. The coordination role of MINUSTAH in the context of international assistance for the preparation of elections with other international stakeholders will be essential.

Taking into account pre-existing conditions in Haiti and the magnitude of the earthquake, it is fundamental to ensure that the rebuilding of State institutions takes place. Rebuilding and strengthening the security sector and the judicial and penal system is a basic precondition for stable and secure environment.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the view that without a secure environment there can be no substantial recovery and development. MINUSTAH’s assistance to the Haitian National Police has played an important role in providing security and is of utmost importance.

The cooperation between MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police in providing the widest possible coverage for camps for internally displaced persons and in addressing violence against women and children is commendable.

With regard to the judicial and penal system we support MINUSTAH’s efforts to provide assistance to the Government of Haiti with respect to those institutions, which are crucial for the rule of law.

We share the Secretary-General’s view that a major challenge to the Government of Haiti is the sustainable resettlement of displaced persons. A decisive commitment by the Government and assistance of the international community in this regard will be crucial in order to find a solution for this very complex and delicate problem, which has an impact on many other issues and could generate serious problems if it remains unresolved.

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the establishment of the Interim Haiti Reconstruction Commission (IHRC) which will coordinate medium and long-term reconstruction in Haiti. It is crucial that donors continue their commitment to Haiti. In this context, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, former United States President Clinton, for his efforts in that regard.

In these challenging times, the United Nations and MINUSTAH have played a central role in Haiti. It is vital that the partnership between Haitian people and the United Nations be further foster in order to preserve positive developments and to meet the remaining challenges. Only joint and timely efforts by the United Nations and the Government of Haiti will bring tangible results and secure a better future for this proud nation.

Let me in conclusion, on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, commend Special Representative Mulet and United Nations and MINUSTAH personnel for their tireless efforts and the important work they have carried out to date.
 
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