Marc-Elie Nelson, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MAST), received Nicole Kouassi, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) in Haiti.

This meeting, held at the Ministry, aimed to strengthen the dialogue between the Haitian government and the United Nations system on social protection, humanitarian action, and peacebuilding.

During the discussions, Minister Nelson reaffirmed the Government's vision of strengthening protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable while preparing for the sustainable return of internally displaced persons to their communities. He highlighted the progress made, particularly the strengthening of national systems, assistance programs, and cash transfers, while advocating for a link between humanitarian emergency response and development policies.

The discussions focused on children affected by armed violence. The Minister presented the rehabilitation centers and reintegration programs managed by the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR), emphasizing the priority given to children in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Arms Control, and Violence Reduction (DDR) process.

The prevention of gender-based violence and the protection of children associated with armed groups were also discussed, with the support of partners such as UNICEF.

Both parties agreed to strengthen the partnership between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Territorial Development (MAST) and the UN, improve coordination between humanitarian and social policies, and support initiatives promoting the return of displaced persons. It was noted that the Steering Committee will meet on July 30, 2026, at the Ministry of Planning to continue work on initiatives supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

Nelson reiterated the Government's commitment to working closely with the United Nations system to build an integrated response linking humanitarian emergency relief, social protection, and peacebuilding. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Nicole Kouassi, pledged to continue UN support alongside Haitian authorities in the search for sustainable solutions to benefit the most vulnerable populations.

HL/ HaitiLibre