Vietnam concerned about uncertainties in Haiti: Diplomat

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Phuong Tra, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, on October 4 expressed her concern over difficulties and uncertainties in Haiti.

Houses are destroyed after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Jeremie, Haiti, on August 14, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Houses are destroyed after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Jeremie, Haiti, on August 14, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on the Haiti situation and the operation of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Tra highlighted the political agreement between the Haitian Prime Minister and political parties on the organization of the election in 2022.

The diplomat expressed her hope that relevant sides will identify priorities, focusing on the model and time of the election, saying the number of female representatives engaging in political activities should account for 30 percent of the total.

Vietnam suggested solutions to enforce laws and protect civilians, particularly women and children, while calling for aid to improve the capacity of Haitian police through training, providing equipment and raising capacity management.

Tra also lauded efforts by the BINUH and the UN’s working group in Haiti, and expressed her support for the extension of the BINUH’s mission.

She called on the UN, and international and regional organisations to continue helping Haiti overcome the current difficulties, and reiterated Vietnam’s support to Haitians, for peace, security and development in the Caribbean country.

Briefing the meeting on the situation in Haiti, rapporteurs proposed the UN and international organisations increase humanitarian aid to needy people in Haiti.

The UNSC member countries condemned violence, attacks and kidnapping that target civilians, especially women and children, and lauded the BINUH’s role in assisting the Haitian government in political dialogues, institutional reform and dealing with socio-economic difficulties.