Haiti: UN Secretary General welcomes new government amid ongoing challenges
According to the report, the new cabinet will completely replace all ministers in the government of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was forced to resign earlier this year after pressure from criminal gangs controlling the rest of the country. big island nation.
The new cabinet includes female ministers in key positions.
Security needs
Speaking to journalists at a regular press conference on Thursday, United Nations Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the “positive transitional governance milestone” should be accompanied by urgently needed security benefits. .
“The Secretary-General therefore reiterates his call for the rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti. to assist the Haitian National Police in addressing the serious security situation,” Mr. Haq said.
The UN chief also called on member states to ensure the emergency MSS mission receives the financial and logistical support needed to succeed, he added.
Humanitarian assistance
Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the United Nations and partners are continuing to support those displaced by violence in the capital Port-au-Prince.
From June 8 to 12, World food program (WFP) – United Nations emergency food assistance agency – distributed more than 40,000 hot meals More than 9,000 people were displaced in the city.
Since the beginning of the year, WFP has distributed more than 1.1 million hot meals to more than 120,000 displaced people.
Besides, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provides 900 dignity kits for women and girls last month, as well as the launch of eight mobile clinics providing services and support for sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.
The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided psychosocial supportincluding over the phone and in camps hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Continue to worry
However, the situation in the south remains worrying, with reports suggesting that more than 268,000 people have now been displaced, up 95% since March.
The health system also continues to face serious challenges, crippled by recent violence and years of underinvestment, Haq said, noting that currently, only 20% of health facilities The economy in Port-au-Prince is operating normally.
“This year’s Humanitarian Response Plan, calling for $674 million, is only 23% funded at $156 million,” he added.
Fully funded, the Plan aims to reach 3.6 million of the most vulnerable of the 5.5 million Haitians in need of assistance. Key areas of support include protection, health and wellness, water and sanitation, and food security.
