UN General Assembly
2021

I have chosen the quickest path to free, transparent, inclusive and nonpartisan elections. Some wish a longer transition. But I, along with many others, believe that this is not the right move. I will not shy away from persuading those who are still reluctant to sign the above-mentioned Agreement, so that, together, in peace and through ongoing dialogue, we will move towards lasting solutions to our country’s problems. Mr. President, In addition to the political crisis I have just briefly described, the effects of natural disasters must also be addressed. Haiti is ranked as one of the countries most vulnerable to natural disasters. After a spate of deadly and devastating disasters, including the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which hit the country hard, a powerful 7.2 earthquake destroyed the entire southern peninsula of the Republic of Haiti on 14 August. According to official statistics, at least 2,207 people died; 344 people are missing; more than 12,268 were injured and thousands of houses, as well as hospitals, schools, churches, bridges and roads, were destroyed or damaged.