It is an honor to welcome you to the Hall of the Americas for this important symposium, which brings us together with a shared purpose: to find concrete, coordinated solutions to the security crisis that continues to severely affect the people of Haiti.

I would like to extend a special welcome to the Haitian authorities joining us today — in particular, H.E. Smith Augustin, President of the Transitional Presidential Council; Mr. Patrick Pélissier, Minister of Public Security and Justice of Haiti; and Mr. Jean Michel Moïse, Minister of Defense of Haiti — and thank them for their presence and their commitment to restoring institutional governance in Haiti.

The Organization of American States has stood — and will continue to stand — by the Haitian people. Since its independence, Haiti has held a unique place in the history and identity of this hemisphere. And since the founding of the OAS, we have recognized this role and walked alongside Haiti in its democratic and institutional journey.

Today, however, we face a challenge that surpasses the usual difficulties. The expansion of gang violence, the breakdown of public institutions in critical areas, the non-renewal of democratic institutions, the worsening humanitarian emergency, the limitations of judicial authority, and the massive displacement of citizens — together, these form an unprecedented multidimensional crisis. This is not just a matter of security. It is a challenge that strikes at the very core of the region, and at the very core of democratic life in Haiti.

The OAS has not stood still. I would like to take this opportunity to give a very heartfelt recognition to my Special Representative in Haiti and his entire team in Port-au-Prince — more than 30 individuals from 11 different countries — who are implementing concrete actions for the benefit of Haiti.

Their commitment to rehabilitating 30 police stations, providing more than 5,000 items of non-lethal protective equipment to the Haitian National Police, continuing the training of community police, setting up a Specialized Tactical Unit training center in the north of the country, and strengthening Haiti’s anti-narcotics and financial investigation capacities within the Judicial Police is to be commended and praised.

We will continue working with the national authorities via our National Office in Haiti and through the Secretariat for Multidimensional Security. New initiatives — including support for the mission, the establishment of Forward Operating Bases, the digitalization of the Judicial Police to help prosecute criminals, and continued training of Special Forces — are concrete actions the OAS will carry forward in the months and years ahead.

There is a need for a new structure for the mission. There is a need for a new functioning of the mission. The way the mission has been structured clearly shows that there has not been a full understanding of the problem, and the existing solutions are not enough for what the country truly needs.

The OAS is also advancing toward the adoption of new mechanisms to promote an integrated strategy that supports national institutions, aligns with the mandates of the international community, and offers a coordinated response to the deepening crisis. This program — which will later be presented during the panel — reflects our commitment to stability, sovereignty, and long-term resilience in Haiti.

We fully recognize that no solution will be sustainable without clear Haitian leadership, legitimate and democratic institutions, and consistent international engagement. But we must also understand that this is a regional problem: criminal gangs, organized crime, drug trafficking, and arms trafficking are regional threats. These affect Haiti more severely due to its institutional vulnerabilities. But this is the responsibility of all of us. We need support from across the region to help Haiti escape this trap of insecurity.

We must be clear: the challenges facing Haiti will not be resolved through symbolic gestures. They demand effective cooperation. They demand new financial resources, new human resources, and new material resources. They require strategic investment and a shared vision rooted in democratic values and human rights.

The OAS is ready to continue playing its role — as a technical actor, a political partner, and a platform for regional coordination. But we need everyone here today to step into their roles as well. We must demonstrate — clearly and decisively — that Haiti is not alone. The OAS will be where the Haitian people need us to be. That has been, and remains, our conviction.

I wish you a productive and impactful discussion — and above all, I hope this symposium leads to real, concrete action.
Thank you very much.