In his address as the head of the Presidential Council of Transition (CPT), Edgard Leblanc Fils spoke extensively at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He discussed the harms caused by colonizers to his country while addressing recent accusations from Republican candidate Donald Trump. The representative of Haiti asserted that this was an attack on national sovereignty during his speech on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Here are 5 key points from the speech of the president of the Haitian Transitional Council:
1. Recognition of the Diaspora:
Edgard Leblanc Fils praised the strength and courage of all Haitians living abroad and expressed hope that they would return to their homeland at the appropriate time.
2. Condemnation of Hate Campaigns:
Regarding the hate campaign against Haitians in the United States, the president of the Council rebuked Republican candidate Donald Trump and his allies, who have continuously spread rumors about Haitian immigrants. He stated, “The long history of friendship and mutual solidarity between our two nations since our participation in the Battle of Savannah in 1779 allows us to confidently state that the American people should reject any incitement to hatred against our community.” He further argued that under no circumstances should electoral campaigns in the United States be used as a pretext for anyone to encourage xenophobia and racism.
3. Global Challenges:
He spoke about various global challenges, such as climate change, hunger, and war, and asked for grace from the UN member states for the world. “On behalf of the Republic of Haiti, I make an urgent appeal to the heads of state of all United Nations member countries to spare humanity from the peril of ending our civilization on Earth.”
4. Appeal for International Support:
Regarding Haiti, he emphasized the session’s theme, which states, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the development and human dignity of present and future generations,” in order to seek the support of the international community to jointly restore peace in Haiti. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the solution to the country’s multidimensional crisis also lies with each Haitian, who must act for Haiti’s well-being.
5. Call for Justice and Reparation:
The head of the Transitional Council reminded everyone about the history of the Haitian people, presenting Haiti as a nation that fought for its freedom, dignity, sovereignty, and resilience. He called on all countries that have profited from Haiti to return everything they have taken. He specifically mentioned France, which ransomed and mortgaged Haiti’s development, economically and socially stifling the country. He argued that on the eve of the bicentennial of the independence debt, it is high time for the country to receive justice, restitution, and reparations from these colonizing countries.
He concluded his speech by stating, “Haiti, this land that offered the world an unyielding symbol of freedom and helped many nations liberate themselves from the yoke of barbaric colonialism, is not seeking charity but justice, respect for its dignity, and its right to a dignified and prosperous existence.”
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