Political impasse in Haiti, amid rising humanitarian needs, ahead of crucial elections
17 June 2021
Peace and Security
Helen La Lime, who is the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Haiti and head of UN’s integrated office in the country, also voiced deep concern over the “ever-growing polarization of Haitian politics” and the increasing tendency by some actors to resort to violence.
Deteriorating conditions
Noting Haiti’s efforts to prepare for a slate of elections later in 2021, including at the presidential level, Ms. La Lime said conditions in the country have worsened over recent weeks.
A resurgence in COVID-19 cases prompted authorities to declare a new state of health emergency, and consequently led the Provisional Electoral Council to postpone the proposed constitutional referendum, scheduled to take place at the end of June.
Recent months have also been marked by several worrying security incidents and serious human rights abuses perpetrated by gangs against civilians.
Meanwhile, she said, a resurgence in inter-gang violence has caused the displacement of hundreds of families in several poor neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, and has deepened the feeling of insecurity which pervades Haitian society.
More:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/06/1094242
