Veleposlanik Ranko Vilovic, privremeni otpravnik poslova Stalne misije RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, održao je govor na raspravi Vijeca sigurnosti UN-a u svezi situacije na Haitiju.
Madame President,
In aligning ourselves with the EU statement to be delivered later, we would like to thank you for organizing this open debate under your presidency. Croatia deeply appreciates the personal presence today of the Secretary-General's two key representatives for Haiti, as well as the Prime Minister of Haiti, H.E. Michele Duvivier Pierre-Louis, and is grateful for their valuable insights for the Council's consideration.
Croatia would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretary-General's new Special Envoy for Haiti, former president Clinton on his appointment. We welcome his vision and look to his leadership to mobilize much needed international investment to help create a better future for millions of Haitians.
Furthermore, Croatia reiterates its support of and commends the tremendous work carried out by Special Representative Annabi, the civil and military components of MINUSTAH, as well as the UN country team.
Alongside the Secretary-General, all their steadfast dedication and efforts are a strong reaffirmation of the commitment of the international community to help Haiti lay strong foundations for its future political and economic stability.
Madame President,
Whilst we are encouraged that some progress has been made on a number of fronts, the Secretary-General's report once again highlights that meaningful progress remains elusive for many in Haiti, especially in the socio-economic field. The interlinked challenges Haiti still faces today, requires sustained and integrated assistance from a broad based membership of the international community, in line with Haitian priorities.
Indeed we have watched closely as improved stability has paved the way for increased international assistance and investment, vital for significant changes in Haiti. To this end, Croatia welcomes the outcome of the International Donor's Conference in April, and Haiti's subsequent debt exoneration and loans earmarked for poverty reduction and pro-growth expenditures, as important signals of growing confidence by the international community that Haiti is on the right track. To this end, we hope that the envisaged trade mission to be led by the SG Special Envoy Mr. Clinton later in October this year, will further contribute to this growing momentum of international political commitment towards helping the Haitian people create a sustainable environment in which to foster better livelihoods. Despite all the challenges, at this moment of historic opportunity for progress in Haiti, it is imperative that the international donor community honors earlier pledges made.
Simultaneously, the Haitian Government must match this international goodwill and support by consolidating their hard-won gains with continued political momentum to translate commitments into real action on the ground. This will entail further strengthening of improved yet tenuous, internal political cooperation and political dialogue achieved over the past few months. Only a fully inclusive political process will ensure timely elections and necessary constitutional reforms. In this respect, the Senatorial elections in April serve as an important litmus test for Haiti, from which important lessons should be learnt. A strong and effective response is required to address the incidents of voting inconsistencies and subsequent incidents of violence, if public confidence is to be restored in the electoral system.
Madame President,
Croatia is encouraged to learn that during the reporting period key legislation was enacted, including the approval of the national budget and the establishment of a minimum wage. We note also that advancements have been made by some of the presidential commissions in tackling issues of national priority. These are important steps which we hope will positively impact the daily lives of many in Haiti. However, we remain concerned over continued procrastination on the implementation of the joint legislative agenda from 2008.
Croatia welcomes the continued progress made in the security environment despite increasing tensions over the prevailing socio-economic challenges. Maintaining stability in Haiti requires the constant engagement of the Haitian authorities to strengthen key state institutions and complete constitutional reforms. Creating strong foundations for a politically and economically secure Haiti cannot happen without bolstering the rule of law. An improved legislative framework and the creation of a fully functioning, independent, credible justice apparatus and penal system in adherence to international standards, is a critical prerequisite for curbing the current environment of impunity and in winning over greater domestic confidence in State institutions. This in turn calls for continued international funding to allow for further professionalization and capacity building, especially with regard to the national police force and the justice sector.
Madame President,
Cognizant of the fact that long term sustainable economic development is underpinned by security and stability, Croatia too recognizes the vital role the UN stabilization mission has to play in assisting the Haitian authorities in addressing the remaining cross-cutting challenges in the country. Notwithstanding this, the future of Haiti lies with the Haitian people who have primary responsibility for ensuring progress.
We support the SG's recommendation for a further 12 month extension of the Mission's mandate accompanied by some re-adjustment of the force capacity as outlined in the report, as clear recognition of the positive evolvement of circumstances under the stabilization process. In Croatia's view, a strong UN presence on the ground via MINUSTAH, as well as the UN Country Team, is needed for the foreseeable future to help lock in progress to date, and reduce their susceptibility of reversal by further consolidation of political and economic reforms.
We hope too that any future reconfiguration of MINUSTAH will factor in more female officer participation in any proposed increase to its police capabilities. Croatia is of the view that they will not only be integral for assisting victims of gender and sexual based violence, but will serve as important role models for their counterparts in the emerging national police force.
Thank you, Madam President.
Priopćenja
