Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and CARICOM leaders heard from Prime Minister a.i. Ariel Henry, present (by videoconference) an update on the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in Haiti. The leaders expressed their deep concern about the current instability and suffering, as well as the violent acts committed by armed gangs against the population of Port-au-Prince and neighboring regions.

Prime Minister Trudeau updated CARICOM leaders on Canada’s assistance to Haiti and the assessment of the current situation. He highlighted recent support for Haiti, including joint airlift operations with the United States to deliver tactical and armoured vehicles and supplies to the Haitian National Police to help restore security and stability. He noted the creation of the Joint Programme for the Haitian National Police United Nations Development Program basket fund, with seed funding of $10 million from Canada and USD $3 million from the United States – which he encouraged CARICOM members to contribute to.

The leaders discussed the need to remove blockades by gangs, including at the Varreux terminal, that are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by restricting access to the fuel, water, and medicine urgently needed to respond to food insecurity and the rising number of cholera cases in Haiti. The leaders also discussed the importance of sanctions to break the cycle of corruption in Haiti, halting funding to the armed gangs, and holding those responsible for the crisis to account https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37944-haiti-crisis-at-the-un-haiti-welcomes-the-adoption-of-sanctions-and-recalls-the-urgency-of-armed-intervention.html

The Prime Minister commended CARICOM’s leadership and focus on addressing the complex humanitarian, security, and political crises Haiti faces. In turn, CARICOM leaders underscored the value of Canada’s commitment to close collaboration with CARICOM and regional and international partners to find a durable solution to Haiti’s long-term stability and sustainable development. The leaders emphasized the need to continue working closely together in response to Haiti’s immediate humanitarian and security needs, and also to facilitate inclusive, Haitian-led political dialogue towards free and fair elections at the earliest possible opportunity.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37944-haiti-crisis-at-the-un-haiti-welcomes-the-adoption-of-sanctions-and-recalls-the-urgency-of-armed-intervention.html

HL/ HaitiLibre