\n<\/p>\n
Addressing ambassadors for the first time as head of the UN office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz Massieu addressed the continuing gang violence and humanitarian crisis in the country, the upcoming political transition set to take place next year and bid to restore national security through the recently agreed\u00a0Gang Suppression Force\u00a0(GSF).<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no doubt that the circumstances are dire, but the Haitian people have not given up<\/strong>,\u201d said Mr. Massieu, who has met multiple political, international and civil stakeholders in the country over the past two and a half months.<\/p>\n As armed groups are increasingly targeting farming communities on the outskirts of the capital and other areas, he stressed that the scale and impact of internal displacement is \u201cunprecedented,\u201d amounting to over 1.4 million displaced people.<\/p>\n \u201cThe human rights situation also remains deeply concerning, with widespread abuses linked to gang attacks, violence involving self-defence groups, and even some security operations,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cI am concerned that a steady path towards the restoration of democratic governance has yet to emerge,\u201d said Mr. Massieu addressing the transfer of authority to elected officials expected to take place by 7 February next year.<\/p>\n He welcomed actions by Haitian authorities to consult with political representatives regarding the elections to avoid a political vacuum beyond February, noting that \u201csustained inter-Haitian dialogue remains crucial to forging renewed consensus on the way forward<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n BINUH will be providing technical and logistical support ahead of the election, he said.<\/p>\n UN agencies distribute humanitarian aid in Bassin Bleu, Haiti, which was attacked by gangs in September.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Mr. Massieu welcomed Security Council-backing for the Gang Suppression Force and encouraged authorities to take appropriate measures to increase security and ensure communities most affected by violence, particularly children, are protected.<\/p>\n He warned that the hostile security environment continues to affect Haiti\u2019s international partners in the capital, but that he is leading efforts in BINUH to achieve \u201c100 per cent staff presence in the capital as a matter of urgency.\u201d<\/p>\nPolitical transition underway<\/strong><\/h2>\n
New force, a sign of reassurance<\/strong><\/h2>\n