United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Haiti on Saturday to express his solidarity with the people who are going through a tragic cycle of security, political and humanitarian crises, the world organization confirmed.
During his visit, Guterres will meet with Prime Minister Ariel Henry, as well as leaders of political parties, the High Transition Council, representatives of society and the staff of the various UN missions.
He will also reiterate the support of the world organization and his call to the international community to continue to supporting Haiti, as well as its humanitarian needs.
Guterres will also encourage the immediate deployment of an international force to assist the Haitian Police in confronting the gangs, which currently control more than 80 percent of the capital.
He will also underscore the need for a Haitian-led and inclusive political path to hold elections and restore constitutional order in the nation.
In recent months, Guterres has expressed his deep concern about the security crisis in Haiti, which claimed more than 1,000 lives from January to May alone, amid the upsurge in violence by armed groups.
In late May, he warned in Jamaica that the “tragic situation” in Haiti threatens the security of the Caribbean region and beyond, as he presses the international community to respond.
Guterres also admitted that it has been difficult to mobilize the will of the countries that can best lead an operation in Haiti while gangs sow terror in vulnerable neighborhoods, kidnappings skyrocket and practically the capital is under the influence of those criminal groups. (PL)
