The Secretary General of the United Nations urged this Sunday the international community and the UN Security Council to consider the “immediate deployment of a specialized international armed force to deal with the humanitarian crisis” at Haiti.
In a statement issued by the office of his spokesman, António Guterres reported that the request for the deployment of troops was made by the Haitian government and must be treated as an emergency.
Just three days ago, the UN had requested the creation of a humanitarian corridor in Haiti with which to access the main fuel terminal, since armed gangs have blocked it, preventing the distribution of basic services such as health, security and water, in a country that is surrounded by an economic crisis , widespread insecurity and a cholera outbreak that threatens at least 1.2 million children.
Cholera outbreak tends to worsen
The international force would also help guarantee the free passage of water, fuel, food and medical supplies from the main ports and airports of the country to communities and health centers throughout the country.
Guterres sent a letter to the Security Council on Sunday with options to increase security support to Haiti, as requested of the UN body in resolution 2645 this year.
The leader of the Organization affirmed that he remains “gravely concerned” about the situation in the Caribbean nation, which has been fighting against an outbreak of cholera amid a dramatic deterioration in securitywhich has paralyzed the country.
Guterres said that the blockade of the Varreux fuel terminal has caused the suspension of basic services such as the distribution of drinking wateressential to prevent a rapid spread of cholera.
Inclusive and peaceful dialogue
The head of the UN recalled that, once again, the most vulnerable sectors of the Haitian population are the hardest hitand that the priority must be saving lives.
The Secretary-General called on all stakeholders in Haiti to overcome their differences and engage promptly and constructively in an inclusive and peaceful dialogue.
Likewise, he reiterated the support of the UN to the people of Haiti and underlined that he would also support efforts aimed at reach consensus, reduce violence and to promote stability in the country.
