Thank you, Madame Chair.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.

At the outset, CARICOM expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for the presentation of his report on the proposed budget and the related report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti.

Madame Chair,

Haiti is CARICOM’s largest Member State and the situation there remains a matter of direct impact on regional and national security, and remains an ongoing priority for the region.

More than half the population requires humanitarian assistance. Large areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond remain under the control of armed groups. Over one million people are internally displaced. Children are being forcibly recruited into criminal gangs, and women and girls continue to face systematic sexual violence as a mechanism of territorial control.

CARICOM’s engagement on this item reflects the region’s shared and practical commitment to Haiti’s recovery. CARICOM Member States have contributed personnel to the Multinational Security Support Mission and continue to support its evolution into the Gang Suppression Force, including through ongoing engagement in its strategic direction and oversight.

We therefore approach this item as a community with direct institutional and human stakes in the success of this mission.

Madame Chair,

It is the Support Office that enables the Gang Suppression Force to function as intended. The logistical, operational, and coordination functions of UNSOH are central to the effective implementation of the mandate. CARICOM will therefore consider the proposed resource requirements through that operational lens.

We recognise that UNSOH remains in its initial phase of establishment and that deployment has been slower than anticipated, largely due to logistical and operational factors. As the mission transitions to a full operational cycle, it will be important that resourcing decisions are aligned with the evolving requirements on the ground.

In this regard, it remains imperative that budgetary decisions do not compromise mandate delivery or the ability of the mission to maintain a credible and effective operational presence.

Madame Chair,

CARICOM attaches particular importance to Human Rights Due Diligence Policy capacity within UNSOH.

Given the nature of joint operations with national security forces, and the operating environment on the ground, this capacity is central to risk management, mission credibility, and the confidence of contributing partners. It is also an essential requirement for the provision of United Nations support in this context.

We will therefore duly engage constructively on this issue during negotiations.

Madame Chair,

The Security Council has established this mandate and the task before this Committee is to ensure that it can be implemented effectively in practice.

The decisions taken on this budget will shape the pace of deployment, the effectiveness of operations, and the prospects for stabilisation in Haiti. CARICOM emphasizes that Haiti’s security imperatives should not be addressed in silos but must be part of a holistic peacebuilding and sustainable development drive that furthers resilience and dignity.

CARICOM looks forward to strong and sustained coordination with the key partners on support to the GSF. CARICOM remains firmly committed to constructive engagement with the Secretariat and all Member States and looks forward to working towards an outcome that equips UNSOH to fulfil its mandate.

I thank you.