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New report shows progress, highlights challenges in UN cooperation with Haitian Government and people

Countries
Haiti
Sources
UNCT Haiti
Publication date
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Preface

MARIANO FERNáNDEZ Amunátegui - Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti

The current political situation in Haiti is characterized by a stabilization process that, although fragile, shows promise and must be nurtured. Enduring political stability is the key to strengthening the country’s governance institutions, promoting socio-economic development, and attracting foreign investment.

The holding of credible partial legislative, municipal and local elections in 2013 will reinforce State institutions both at the national and local level. In 2012, the publication of the corrected version of the constitutional amendments and the installation of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (legislated for in a 2007 law to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, but until now never constituted) represented significant strides by Haiti’s Government to strengthen rule of law institutions.

The overall security situation in 2012 remained relatively stable, with instances of civil unrest linked primarily to socio-economic grievances in a difficult economic context characterized by low economic growth. Although the performance of the Haitian National Police continued to gradually improve in 2012, the institution is not yet in a position to assume full responsibility for the provision of internal security across the country’s departments.

In this context, MINUSTAH military and police personnel played a vital role in the maintenance of overall security and stability. The United Nations in Haiti and its international partners continued to provide technical, financial and logistical support to advance key stabilization processes including, among others, the strengthening of the Haitian National Police, preparation for the forthcoming elections, and reform of key rule of law institutions such as the judiciary and the corrections system.