UNITED NATIONS – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday that while Haiti has made “significant gains” in recent months, it still faces a number of “daunting challenges,” such as reviving its crippled economy and strengthening the rule of law.
“The country’s economy is on its knees. Public institutions are barely able to deliver essential services,” he said during an open debate of the Security Council on Haiti.
“Millions of Haitians remain dependent on the assistance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to meet their most basic needs. Too many women and girls live in fear of sexual violence.”
Ban said that without the rule of law, lasting peace and prosperity will remain elusive.
“Haiti’s judicial system is deeply dysfunctional. Its prisons remain dangerously overcrowded. Property records are unreliable and non-existent. Public expenditures often lack transparency. Rule of law reform must be a top priority for Haiti’s next president,” he stressed.
The UN boss said his organisation would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Haitian Government and people in the noble and necessary work of building a more just and prosperous future. (CMC)
