July 12, 2025
From Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, offered a frank assessment of the country’s crisis while reaffirming Haiti’s commitment to regional cooperation. “The theme of this session reflects a shared vision: to build resilient prosperity together,” he emphasized.
Acknowledging the severity of the current situation, Jean-Baptiste described Haiti as facing “an unprecedented multidimensional crisis affecting every aspect of national life.” He condemned the surge in gang violence responsible for murders, large-scale destruction, and the displacement of over 1.3 million people.
The minister paid tribute to Haiti’s security forces, praising “their tireless dedication to protect and serve.” He also urged OAS member states to boost support for the Haitian National Police and the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H), while taking stronger measures to block weapons flowing into the hands of gangs.
Jean-Baptiste submitted a draft resolution calling for “the urgent implementation of concrete solutions” to break the deadlock, and pressed the OAS to coordinate international assistance focused on “security, humanitarian, and institutional challenges as absolute priorities.”
He welcomed Secretary General Albert Ramdin’s commitment to make Haiti a priority, stressing that the preferred approach remains strengthening the capacity of national forces with support from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS). The minister also highlighted the need for measures to protect Haitian migrants and to maintain constructive dialogue with neighboring countries.
Closing on a note of hope, Jean-Baptiste thanked “the countries of the hemisphere actively seeking solutions,” urging greater solidarity to restore security, enable elections, and revive the nation’s development agenda.
