Pakistan has called for urgent and collective action from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, highlighting the need for political stability in the troubled Caribbean nation. During his remarks at the Council’s first formal meeting this month, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, stressed that the time for “half measures” is over as gangs have turned streets into battlegrounds.
He pointed out the alarming rise in vigilante killings, the recruitment of children by armed groups, and the resulting breakdown of essential services, which have left hundreds of thousands living in fear and facing severe food shortages. Ambassador Asim underscored the necessity for international unity and support for a Haitian-led solution, emphasizing that a robust response is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Supporting the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission led by Kenya, he urged the UNSC to ensure the mission is well-resourced and effective, stating, “Anything less risks collective failure tomorrow.” He affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to help build consensus within the Council to foster hope and security for the Haitian people.
UN officials also conveyed the grim situation in Haiti, with Miroslav Jenca, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Americas, indicating that state authority has sharply eroded since January, as gangs have effectively paralyzed Port-au-Prince and disrupted international commercial flights. Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, remarked that gang control over trade routes is severely hampering lawful commerce and exacerbating food insecurity.
In a broader context, Ambassador Asim also emphasized the longstanding Kashmir dispute, reiterating the necessity for the UNSC to take definitive action to implement its own resolutions regarding the conflict between India and Pakistan.
This pivotal moment highlights both the responsibility and urgency for the international community to rally in support of Haiti, as the challenges facing the nation evolve. Europe’s diplomatic engagement and decisive support can bring about meaningful change, ensuring safety and stability for the Haitian populace while addressing broader geopolitical concerns.
This latest push for action reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of global security issues and the need for cooperative international efforts to tackle instability.