US Mission to the Organization of American States - USOAS

United States and UN Security Council Reaffirm Steadfast Support for Haiti; Highlight Rapid Deployment of the Gang Suppression Force

Ambassador Lee Rizzuto, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), attended a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 23, 2026, concerning the ongoing multifaceted crisis in Haiti. During the session, the United States and member states of the Security Council unequivocally reaffirmed their enduring support for the Haitian people and the stabilization of the country.

The meeting underscored the international community’s commitment to addressing the severe security challenges posed by terrorist gangs, which continue to perpetrate violence, r**e, and murder against the Haitian population. To combat this crisis and destabilization in the Western Hemisphere, the Council discussed the rapid implementation of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Special Representative of the Secretary-General Carlos Ruiz Massieu underscored the grave importance of the international community continuing its robust support for the people of Haiti, emphasizing that sustained global partnership is essential to overcoming the country’s current challenges.

A key highlight of the meeting was the attendance of GSF Special Representative Jack Christofides, whose appointment resulted from a unanimous OAS Joint Statement in support of UN Security Council Resolution 2793, which authorized the GSF. https://usoas.usmission.gov/joint-statement-call-for-coordinated-un-action-in-support-of-the-oas-haiti-roadmap/

Special Representative Christofides and his initial staff are already on the ground in Port-au-Prince, launching critical leadership, oversight, and civilian support functions. The GSF, operating under a clear command structure to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs, is authorized to reach a full force of 5,500 military and police personnel.

The United States highlighted several critical milestones, including the establishment of the UN Support Office in Haiti, the arrival of the GSF Special Representative and the arrival of the first troop contingents. We call on the international community to help us win peace for the long haul – injecting sorely needed investments through capital, infrastructure, and job creation to keep impoverished next-generation leaders from returning to the deadly path of gang violence. A full transcript of the remarks can be found here: https://usun.usmission.gov/remarks-at-a-un-security-council-briefing-on-the-situation-in-haiti/

Addressing the UN Security Council, Prime Minister of Haiti Fils-Aimé emphasized the importance of this ongoing global partnership, while outlining measures Haiti is undertaking to increase and strengthen its own security and police forces. In his speech, he shared a powerful message of gratitude, stating, "Your commitment to peace remains a source of hope to the people of Haiti."

Remarks at a UN Security Council Briefing on the Situation in Haiti - United States Mission to the United Nations The GSF is designed to work in support of – not in place of – Haitian institutions. It is designed to create space for Haitian forces to expand, professionalize, and ultimately assume responsibility. That transition has begun.

A productive trip to the UN Security Council for Ambassador Rizzuto last week! Strengthening our partnership with is a top priority. Great to meet with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and partners to discuss restoring security and democracy.

A stable Haiti means a more secure hemisphere, which keeps the American people safer.

As we mark Spanish Language Week at the OAS, the United States is proud to recognize the deep roots of Spanish in the history of our hemisphere — and in our nation’s history. From St. Augustine to today, Spanish has long been part of the American story.

Pleased to welcome guests this week to the Art Museum of the Americas for a conversation on how the Declaration of Independence first circulated not as settled scripture, but as urgent political news. Grateful to Dr. Emily Sneff and to Pedro Vaca of the IACHR for helping connect this history to freedom of expression and democratic discourse across the Americas.

Honored to be a part of Leadership Lab program and address a group of young leaders at the on the topic of results-based partnerships in the Americas. Encouraging the next generation to drive impact, accountability, and collaboration will make our region stronger and more connected.

Great to meet retired U.S. Ambassador Luigi Einaudi at this week's Pan American Day celebrations Organization of American States (OAS) Thank you for sharing your insights!

Honored to join the Inter American Defense College for the "Haiti Today" symposium. Thank you for hosting this vital dialogue on advancing regional solutions for Haiti. Collaboration across our hemisphere is key to building a stable and peaceful future.

Great to meet some fellow Florida Republicans taking a tour at Organization of American States (OAS). Thanks for stopping by.

On Pan American Day, the United States joined Organization of American States (OAS) member states in honoring our hemisphere’s long tradition of sovereignty, liberty, and cooperation. As we celebrate and the bicentennial of the Congress of Panama, we remain committed to a stronger, freer, and more democratic Americas.

We were in Panama last week at the Annual Meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (OEA - CICTE). Countering terrorism in our hemisphere requires coordinated action and real consequences. The Trump Administration is keeping our region safer, working with hemispheric partners to tackle terrorist travel before terrorists reach our borders. We are designating and isolating terrorist organizations, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks.