OAS chief to lead high-level international mission to Haiti

Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin will lead a high-level delegation of regional and international partners to Haiti from Aug. 16-19 as the country works to improve security, strengthen governance and prepare for elections.

The delegation will include Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and representatives of the United Nations, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Inter-American Defense Board and Inter-American Defense College.

The mission comes as Haitian authorities work to improve security conditions and prepare for presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Dec. 13, 2026.

Ramdin said the delegation's visit is intended to demonstrate support for the Haitian people and institutions while strengthening international coordination around Haiti's security, electoral, humanitarian and development priorities.

"Haiti is at a decisive moment. The responsibility for Haiti's future belongs first and foremost to the Haitian people, but the international community has a responsibility to stand with them with unity, urgency and concrete support," Ramdin said.

"Our purpose in coming to Haiti together is not simply to demonstrate solidarity, but to continue strengthening coordination and help deliver results — in security, elections, institutional strengthening, humanitarian needs and long-term development," he said.

During the four-day mission, Ramdin and the delegation are expected to meet with Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, Foreign Affairs and Worship Minister Raina Forbin, other senior government officials and authorities responsible for security and elections.

The delegation will also meet with Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections.

Officials are expected to engage with the Haitian National Police and international security partners on efforts to restore state authority and protect the population.

Agreements on social development

During the visit, Ramdin is expected to sign a cooperation agreement with the Japanese government at the headquarters of Haiti's National Office of Identification (ONI).

The agreement will provide a framework for Japanese economic cooperation, implemented by the OAS, to improve access to essential social services and support Haiti's economic and social development.

A second agreement is expected to be signed with Brazilian nongovernmental organization Viva Rio.

The partnership will support social inclusion, social cohesion and community-based development initiatives under an OAS-led project aimed at increasing social cohesion and countering gang violence in Haiti.

The project is supported by Global Affairs Canada and will be implemented in coordination with the Haitian government and the United Nations.

It will focus on psychosocial support, skills development and economic opportunities, particularly for young people and women, while expanding pathways to employment.

Mission to include security meetings

Ramdin will also visit the headquarters of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), where he is expected to meet with senior United Nations and GSF officials.

The meetings will include Carlos Ruiz Massieu, UN special representative of the secretary-general and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH); Daniela Kroslak, head of the UN Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH); Jack Christofides, special representative for the GSF; and Maj. Gen. Erdenebat Batsuuri, the GSF force commander.

The mission will conclude with consultations among the participating institutions to identify areas for follow-up and closer cooperation in support of Haiti's transition, recovery and long-term development.

Ramdin is scheduled to hold a press conference on the morning of Aug. 19 before departing Haiti. The OAS said additional details on the time and location will be provided separately.