OAS urges faster action on security and elections after Haiti mission
By Jovani Davis··3 min read
The Organization of American States (OAS) is calling for an accelerated international response to Haiti’s security and electoral crises following a high-level delegation visit to the country.
OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said the delegation’s three-day mission underscored the need for international partners to move more quickly on security and preparations for Haiti’s upcoming elections.
“We have to collectively speed up the work on security and elections as Haiti’s two most immediate and interconnected priorities,” Almagro said in a statement Wednesday, August 19.
The delegation included representatives from the OAS, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), United Nations, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, CAF — Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Inter-American Defense Board and Inter-American Defense College.
CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett also participated in the mission.
Almagro said the delegation met with Haitian officials and other stakeholders to assess conditions on the ground and identify areas where greater urgency and coordination are needed.
Security remains top priority
The OAS secretary general said the delegation supports the renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) at the United Nations but warned that extending the mandate alone will not resolve Haiti’s security crisis.
He urged OAS member states and other international partners that have pledged personnel, equipment or financial resources to fulfill those commitments more quickly.
The GSF’s immediate objectives should include reducing armed gangs’ territorial control, securing the main route to the international airport, maintaining access to the airport and seaport and restoring secure access to southern Haiti, Almagro said.
“The efforts of the GSF are essential to improving security and public safety; and to creating the conditions for a safe electoral process,” he said.
Almagro said discussions with GSF leadership reinforced the need for additional personnel, financing, logistical support and operational capabilities.
Elections face urgent timeline
The OAS also called for faster preparations for Haiti’s elections, which are scheduled for December 13.
Almagro said the delegation recognized the work of Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), National Identification Office (ONI) and government but warned that the electoral timetable requires urgent acceleration.
He called for intensified voter registration and identification efforts, as well as expanded public information, outreach and voter mobilization campaigns.
The OAS also stressed the importance of ensuring public confidence in rules governing candidates and their consistent application.
Concerns over candidate eligibility or potential links to illicit activities should be addressed transparently and in accordance with Haitian law and international electoral standards, Almagro said.
He said the OAS will continue assessing both the security situation and electoral preparations, which he described as closely interconnected.
New agreements announced
The delegation’s visit also produced several new initiatives.
The OAS welcomed Haiti’s formal accession to CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, saying the move will expand the country’s access to financing, technical cooperation and development tools.
The OAS and Japan also signed a US$3 million cooperation agreement to strengthen Haiti’s civil identification system.
The agreement includes the acquisition of 350,000 biometric identification cards, expanded mobile registration services and greater coordination between the ONI and CEP.
The OAS also signed an agreement with Brazilian nonprofit Viva Rio to build on Canadian-supported programs aimed at strengthening social cohesion and expanding opportunities for young people and women affected by violence.
Almagro said the OAS will also work with private-sector organizations, including the Latin American Business Council, to organize a business delegation to Haiti.
The delegation will explore investment opportunities intended to create jobs, stable incomes and economic opportunities for young Haitians at risk.
“These are tangible examples of what we mean when we say that the international community must move from solidarity and commitments to implementation and results,” Almagro said.
OAS to report on Haiti
Almagro said the mission would not mark the end of international engagement.
He will report to the OAS Permanent Council on August 26 on the delegation’s findings and areas requiring greater action. On September 4, he will convene the next meeting of the Group of Friends of Haiti to mobilize additional political, technical and financial support.
“Haiti is at a decisive point,” Almagro said, adding that while Haiti’s future ultimately belongs to its people, the international community also has responsibilities.
He said the immediate priorities are to accelerate security support, intensify electoral preparations, fulfill existing international commitments and ensure that assistance produces tangible results for Haitians.
“The OAS will remain fully engaged in that effort,” he said.