Haitian Prime Minister Calls for Collective Responsibility Amidst Migrant Crisis

During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé of Haiti emphasized the need for “shared responsibility” to address the mass displacement of migrants, an issue that has became particularly pronounced in his own country.

Fils-Aimé, who leads a nation currently without a president since the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis fueled by escalating gang violence. He underscored that the condition of migrants compels a united response to address ongoing crises that lead to displacement.

“This is particularly true regarding the security crisis in Haiti, which has resulted in the exodus of thousands of Haitians,” he stated. He insisted that any effective response should focus on restoring security, stability, and economic recovery—these are vital goals for his administration.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude toward countries that have welcomed Haitians abroad, acknowledging their contributions to host societies. “Haiti has historically been a place of refuge and hope. We are striving to make it that way again, where individuals can stay, return, live, and build futures with dignity,” he said. He also stressed the importance of respecting the dignity and fundamental rights of all migrants.

“No situation excuses the violation of a person’s dignity,” he noted, reinforcing that protecting borders and upholding human dignity shouldn’t conflict but rather complement one another, though he refrained from naming specific countries.

This address came on the heels of a report from the International Organization for Migration, revealing that approximately 1.5 million Haitians have been displaced due to ongoing gang violence, with nearly 80% having fled the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Fils-Aimé acknowledged the complexity of the gang violence the country faces, but assured that it is not “insurmountable.” He argued that the situation warrants more than “half-measures” or timid actions. As part of addressing the crisis, he mentioned that the government has bolstered the operational capacity of security forces, training over 1,500 new military personnel with a target of expanding to 15,000 within the next three years. Additionally, over 2,000 police officers are receiving training, with a new class set to graduate soon.

However, he expressed disappointment that the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), authorized by the U.N. Security Council, has yet to deploy the planned force of 5,500 personnel. He called for the GSF’s mandate to be renewed to complete its deployment, together with efforts to curb arms trafficking that empowers gang violence.

“The weapons causing harm to Haitians are not manufactured locally,” he commented. “They arrive through international criminal networks that exacerbate insecurity and strengthen gangs.” He argued that dismantling these trafficking networks is a collective responsibility and that the security of Haiti relies significantly on better border control.

In his broader vision, Fils-Aimé proposed a “paradigm shift” for Haiti, moving from reliance on aid to fostering investment and production. He expressed appreciation for the emergency support received but stressed that sustainable wellbeing can’t depend indefinitely on charity.

“We cannot expect security alone to sustain peace; economic recovery is crucial,” he stated. He welcomed the extension of trade preferences until 2028 by the U.S. administration, considering it an important step toward economic recovery and calling for a ten-year extension of these policies.

Looking ahead, he mentioned that Haiti is preparing to hold elections for the first time in December, ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, though he didn’t elaborate further. He declared that criminal networks should have no influence over the elections, emphasizing the importance of free, credible, and inclusive elections with participation from women and youth.

Fils-Aimé ended his speech with a powerful message about Haiti’s resilience and determination. He declared, “Yesterday, our ancestors fought for freedom; today, our generation will strive for peace.” He reflected on the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that their collective will could overcome them.