Abinader Highlights the Necessity of Haiti’s Stability for Regional Security
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Dominican President Luis Abinader called on world leaders to prioritize the stabilization of Haiti, citing its vital importance for the security of the Dominican Republic and the region. He referenced the significant impact of Haitian immigrants on the Dominican healthcare and education systems and noted the need for urgent international assistance to address the ongoing crisis. Abinader expressed gratitude for the support received so far but emphasized the unacceptable delays in fulfilling promises for aid and deployment of peacekeeping forces.
In a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader underscored the critical need for global intervention to stabilize Haiti, stating that its stability is essential for the security of both his nation and the broader region. Abinader emphasized the dire situation in Haiti, which has increasingly impacted the Dominican Republic and its neighbors, necessitating immediate and focused assistance from the international community. Abinader shared alarming statistics, noting that in 2023, medical services rendered to Haitian immigrants constituted 9.9 percent of all services provided by the Dominican health care system. He further revealed that, from 2019 to March 2024, Haitian nationals represented a substantial number of patients within the public hospital network. Additionally, he highlighted that the Dominican public educational system currently enrolls nearly 200,000 foreign minors, with approximately 147,906 of them being of Haitian origin. While expressing the Dominican Republic’s commitment to solidarity, he remarked, “…we cannot do it alone.” The President indicated that advancements towards peace are being made in Haiti, citing the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council and the ongoing efforts of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). However, he lamented that only 400 of the anticipated 1,000 MSS officers have been deployed, and underlined that the requisite resources for complete deployment and effective peacekeeping operations remain insufficiently funded. He stated, “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.” Abinader expressed gratitude to nations like Kenya for providing law enforcement support and commended the United States for its assistance with funding and logistical needs. He also acknowledged contributions from Jamaica, the Bahamas, El Salvador, and the efforts made by Caricom in facilitating dialogue and consensus in Haiti.
The situation in Haiti has been escalating for years, marked by political instability, economic downturn, and social upheaval. The country’s crises have led to an influx of Haitian immigrants into neighboring countries, particularly the Dominican Republic, which has absorbed a significant number of Haitian nationals seeking better living conditions. International efforts to stabilize Haiti have been ongoing, yet challenges persist, including underfunding of peacekeeping missions and delays in international commitments. The establishment of the Multinational Security Support Mission aims to bolster security and support a transitional government in Haiti.
In conclusion, President Luis Abinader has made a compelling case for the importance of stabilizing Haiti, not only for the benefit of the Haitian people but also for the security of the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean region. His emphasis on the need for international support highlights the challenges faced by neighboring countries amidst the Haitian crisis. The call for enhanced international cooperation and fulfillment of financial commitments underscores the urgency of addressing this humanitarian and security dilemma.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
