Haiti: Joint Security Council Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls

Unwavering Support for Haitian Women and Girls

• 🌍 We, representing Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and France, express our unwavering support for all women and girls in Haiti.
• ⚠️ The unprecedented levels of violence, particularly gang violence, are threatening peace, security, and the stability of Haiti's transitional presidential council.

Condemnation of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

• 💔 We condemn in the strongest terms the pervasive sexual and gender-based violence, including mass rape, systematically used by gangs as a tactic of subjugation and terror.
• 📈 This violence is exacerbated by female displacements, particularly in the Artibonite and Northwest regions.

Strengthening Security and Combating Illicit Trafficking

• 🤝 We must strengthen the Haitian National Police's capacity to respond effectively to violence and regain control of gang-affected areas, adhering to international human rights standards.
• ✈️ We call for contributions to the multinational security support mission and urge others to contribute.
• 🚫 We must better combat the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which are frequently used in sexual violence incidents.
• ⚖️ We support targeted sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence and emphasize the need to fight impunity and ensure survivors have access to justice and care.

Promoting Women's Participation and Accountability

• 🗳️ Increasing women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in governing bodies and decision-making is key to an inclusive political process and fair elections.
• 🗣️ Women's organizations play a vital role in de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue among stakeholders.
• 📜 We must promote an approach based on accountability, the rule of law, and full respect for human rights in Haiti, urging member states to strengthen their support.