MINUSTAH at Four Years

Thursday, April 3, 2008
MINUSTAH AT FOUR YEARS

Panelists: Joel Boutroue, Deputy Special Representative of MINUSTAH and Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in charge of humanitarian and development issues

In 2004, the United Nations Security Council determined that the situation in Haiti continued to threaten international peace and security in the region. As a result, it established a United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Since the implementation of MINUSTAH, slight progress has been made in security, governance, and economic recovery. Mr. Joel Boutroue, Deputy Special Representative of MINUSTAH, says there has been progress over the last two years. Haiti has seen a poverty reduction of 4% and a stabilized GDP over the past two years.
Mr. Boutroue did address the challenges MINUSTAH faces in the future. The creation of consistent job opportunities is necessary to increase micro economic stability. This progress will increase government revenue so that the government can continue to provide programs to its citizens. Because Haiti has seen progress in the last two years and shows signs of continuing stability, Boutroue thinks that leaving prematurely will set Haiti back and progress will cease. A continued establishment of benchmarks for future progress should be met by Parliament and the UN to continue security, governance, and economic progress.