During the UN General Assembly, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader emphasized the critical need for international support to stabilize Haiti, linking its stability to the security of the region. He reported that healthcare and educational services in the Dominican Republic are significantly impacted by Haitian immigrants and called for complete deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to address the ongoing crisis.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has called on global leaders to enhance their support in stabilizing Haiti, emphasizing the importance of Haiti’s stability for the security of the region, including his own country. During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, President Abinader declared that the ongoing crisis in Haiti requires immediate attention, stating that it not only impacts Haiti but also places significant strain on the Dominican Republic and its neighboring countries. In his remarks, President Abinader highlighted that in 2023, healthcare services for Haitian immigrants accounted for 9.9 percent of the Dominican Republic’s total health system services. He further noted that from 2019 through March 2024, Haitian nationals represented a substantial portion of patients treated in the public hospital network. Additionally, he pointed out that nearly 200,000 foreign minors are presently enrolled in the Dominican public education system, with an estimated 147,906 of them being of Haitian origin. These statistics underline the Dominican Republic’s commitment to solidarity; however, Abinader stressed that the situation cannot be managed alone. The president indicated that there appears to be progress towards peace and stability in Haiti, particularly with the establishment of a Presidential Transitional Council and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). Yet, he noted that only 400 out of the required 1,000 MSS personnel have thus far been deployed. President Abinader remarked, “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 also expressed gratitude toward Kenya for dispatching law enforcement personnel and acknowledged the support from the United States regarding funding and logistics. Furthermore, he recognized the contributions from Jamaica, the Bahamas, El Salvador, and the efforts of Caricom to facilitate dialogue and consensus in Haiti.
The ongoing crisis in Haiti has garnered significant concern among various nations, particularly due to its implications for regional stability. The Dominican Republic, sharing a border with Haiti, has been notably affected by the socio-economic challenges and humanitarian issues emanating from its neighbor. President Luis Abinader is advocating for increased international engagement to address these issues, as they not only affect Haiti but also the Dominican Republic’s social and public service systems. The situation necessitates a comprehensive approach involving multinational support to restore order and facilitate the potential for free and fair elections in Haiti.
In conclusion, President Luis Abinader’s address at the United Nations General Assembly serves as a call to action for global leaders to intensify their efforts in stabilizing Haiti. The interdependencies between Haiti and the Dominican Republic underscore the need for international collaboration to resolve the crisis, restore peace, and fulfill humanitarian commitments. The Dominican Republic’s dedication to providing assistance amidst the challenges reflects its commitment to regional stability, yet it is evident that the situation requires a concerted and effective international response.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
