Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic, urged world leaders to support stabilization efforts in Haiti during his address at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the pressing need for security and the significant burden on the Dominican Republic. He cited health and educational statistics reflecting the impact of Haitian immigrants and criticized the lack of complete international support for peacekeeping efforts. Abinader recognized recent positive developments in Haiti while calling for a collective commitment to resolve the ongoing crisis.
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has called upon global leaders to take more decisive action to stabilize Haiti during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. He underscored that stability in Haiti is imperative for ensuring security in both his nation and the broader region. President Abinader highlighted the persistent crisis in Haiti, which he insisted requires immediate attention due to its increasing impact on the Dominican Republic and neighboring countries. He provided alarming statistics, revealing that in 2023, health services for Haitian immigrants accounted for 9.9 percent of total care within the Dominican health system. Furthermore, from 2019 to March 2024, individuals of Haitian descent represented a substantial portion of patients in public hospitals. Abinader also noted that there are approximately 200,000 foreign minors currently enrolled in the Dominican public education system, with an estimated 147,906 being of Haitian origin. He emphasized the Dominican Republic’s commitment to solidarity but stated, “we cannot do it alone.” The President expressed optimism regarding recent developments that could lead to peace in Haiti, referencing the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). However, he pointed out that only 400 of the anticipated 1,000 officers necessary for the mission’s effectiveness have been deployed. Abinader lamented that the required resources for the complete deployment of this force and for supporting peacekeeping efforts have not yet been contributed to Haiti’s trust fund. President Abinader articulated his frustration, stating, “It is unacceptable… that at this point, countries that have had an impact on the Haitian situation or that have committed to solving it have not fully fulfilled their promises.” He expressed gratitude to Kenya for its deployment of law enforcement personnel, commended the United States for its logistical and financial assistance, and acknowledged the contributions made by Jamaica, the Bahamas, and El Salvador, along with the efforts of Caricom in fostering dialogue and consensus in Haiti.
The situation in Haiti has been dire for several years, marked by political instability, gang violence, and humanitarian crises. The international community has recognized the necessity of stabilizing Haiti to prevent further regional disruption, particularly as the Dominican Republic shares a border with Haiti and has been significantly impacted by the crisis. President Abinader’s appeals reflect an understanding that regional security is closely tied to Haiti’s situation, making the stabilization efforts not only a responsibility of Haiti but a shared concern among neighboring nations and the global community.
In conclusion, President Luis Abinader’s address to the United Nations General Assembly underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to stabilize Haiti, emphasizing its direct implications for the Dominican Republic and the entire region. He presented compelling statistics regarding the significant impact of Haitian immigrants on the Dominican health and education systems. Despite signs of progress in Haiti’s governance and security efforts, the lack of full international support remains a critical obstacle. His call to action is a reminder of the interconnectedness of regional security in the Caribbean and the responsibilities shared by the international community in addressing humanitarian crises.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
