ARTICLE - END OF THE MISSION - ECOSOC

END OF THE MISSION ECOSOC
(HaitiLibre) -

The Consultative Group of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations concluded, last Saturday, its annual visit to Haiti. During this four-day visit, the group met with political leaders and development actors in Haiti; UN and international, working particularly in the areas of education, health, economic development, banking and the rule of law. The group also visited Léogâne where it has been a witness to the considerable work of removal of debris and rebuilding done since its last visit, last year in the same period. These results are encouraging.

It is important that the country maintains a constructive dynamic in its relations with its development partners, taking full advantage of the cooperation activities undertaken in recent years and by launching new axes of cooperation, based on the priorities of the President of the Republic and the new government.

The Group hopes that the ongoing political transition, does not interfere with the continuation of the cooperation activities for development given the very important needs that remain in the country, as for reconstruction assistance and development in the longer term. The nomination of a Prime Minister and a ministerial team is a priority in this regard.

In addition, the Group was encouraged by the emphasis placed by many people to strengthen the rule of law and the process of political and economic decentralization. In this context, development partners should ensure an effective coordination of assistance, in support of the priorities of the new Haitian authorities.

The Group will present a report on its work to the Economic and Social Council in July 2011. Its recommendations will concern the establishment of a sustainable development strategy in Haiti, including the strengthening of the plan of reconstruction and stabilization. Recommendations will also be on ways to ensure the consistency of international aid to Haiti, which must also take into account the priorities identified in the Action plan for national recovery and development of Haiti.

The future of the mechanisms of reconstruction is an important issue about which decisions must be taken.

Composition of the mission ECOSOC :
The Group ECOSOC was composed of the following representatives:

Mr. Gilles Rivard, Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York (Group President);

Ms Paulette Bethel, Permanent Representative of Bahamas to the United Nations in New York;

Mr. Jean Francis Régis Zinsou, Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations in New York;

M. Octavio Errazuriz, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations in New York;

Mr. Juan Pablo de Laiglesia, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations in New York,

Mr. Martin Briens, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in New York;

Mr. Jean Wessley Cazeau, Deputy Permanent Representative of Haiti to the United Nations in New York;

Ms. Véronique Pepin-Halle, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York;

Mr. Ricardo Rizzo, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations in New York;

Ms. Christina Day, Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti;

Mr. Marc-André Dorel, Senior Economist, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations Secretariat.