Abinader Urges Global Action for Stability in Haiti to Ensure Regional Security

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader emphasized that stabilizing Haiti is crucial for the security of the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean region. He reported on the humanitarian impact of the crisis on the Dominican Republic’s health and education systems and called for increased international support to address the situation.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has called upon global leaders to intensify their efforts in stabilizing Haiti’s ongoing crisis. During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, he asserted that establishing stability in Haiti is essential not only for the security of the Dominican Republic but also for the entire region. President Abinader expressed concern that the deteriorating situation in Haiti requires urgent attention, as it subsequently places significant pressure on the Dominican Republic and its neighboring countries. He provided statistics indicating that in 2023, medical services extended to Haitian migrants accounted for 9.9 percent of the total services provided by the Dominican health care system. Furthermore, between 2019 and March 2024, a considerable number of Haitian nationals constituted a substantial portion of patients within public hospitals. Moreover, he highlighted that nearly 200,000 foreign minors are currently absorbed into the Dominican public educational system, with an estimated 147,906 being of Haitian descent. This reveals the Dominican Republic’s commitment to solidarity; however, he emphasized that such efforts cannot be undertaken alone. Abinader pointed towards a potential path for peace in Haiti, marked by the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council and the initiation of a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). Nonetheless, he noted that of the 1,000 MSS officers required for effective operations in Haiti, only 400 have been deployed thus far. The President remarked, “The resources required to achieve the full deployment of the force and achieve the objectives of peacekeeping and support for the eventual holding of elections have not yet been deposited in the trust fund for Haiti,” and he deemed it unacceptable that nations committed to ameliorating the Haitian situation had yet to fulfill their responsibilities. In his address, President Abinader expressed gratitude toward Kenya for providing law enforcement personnel and extended appreciation to the United States for its logistical and financial support. Furthermore, he acknowledged the contributions of Jamaica, the Bahamas, and El Salvador, as well as the efforts of Caricom to promote dialogue and consensus in Haiti.

The present situation in Haiti remains precarious, marked by political instability, economic hardship, and widespread violence. The Dominican Republic, sharing a border with Haiti, is significantly impacted by the ongoing crisis. As such, President Abinader’s call at the United Nations emphasizes not only the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis but also the implications for regional security and stability. The appeal for enhanced international support signifies the urgency of collaborative efforts to restore peace in Haiti, which could have wider repercussions for the Caribbean region.

In summary, President Abinader’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly underscore the critical need for international assistance in stabilizing Haiti, recognizing its profound impact on the Dominican Republic and the broader region. The call for action reflects the Dominican Republic’s commitment to humanitarian support while highlighting the limitations faced without global collaboration. His comments advocate for immediate fulfillment of international promises, stressing the importance of united efforts toward establishing stability and peace in Haiti.

Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com