Haiti needs a “democratic renewal.”

Haiti has been grappling with a new wave of political crisis since Parliament stopped functioning in January 2020, allowing the President to postpone elections and rule by decree. In response, large crowds have taken to the streets, echoing the opposition’s calls for President Moïse to step down.

“Only a democratic renewal, resulting from the swift holding of credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, can give Haiti a chance to overcome its prolonged political crisis,” said Ms. La Lime, speaking before members of the UN Security Council.

Such a renewal, she added, would allow Haitian society and its leaders to focus on implementing the economic and governance reforms needed to put the country back on the path to sustainable development.

UN ready to support elections in Haiti

In this unstable context, preparations for this year’s elections — along with a constitutional referendum — are still underway. However, the UN envoy warned that much remains to be done, and voting could be delayed due to a lack of international funding.

Vivianne Roc, 23, from Plurielles, a young eco-feminist group, also addressed the Council today. She described a country gripped by anarchy, crime, and gang violence — but insisted that hope remains.

“The young woman standing before you today is outraged by the wave of insecurity sweeping through her country,” she said, as she shared several recommendations with the 15-member body — including cracking down on arms and drug trafficking, and creating call centers for survivors of domestic violence.

To learn more: https://news.un.org/fr/story/2021/02/1089992