US Mission to the Organization of American States - USOAS

The June 11 visit to Port-au-Prince by Ambassador Rizzuto and fellow OAS member delegates sent a clear message: hemispheric partners must stand with Haiti to stabilize this crisis. From meetings with the Prime Minister to visits with the Gang Suppression Force and key international partners, this delegation demonstrated that Haiti is not alone. We look forward to UNSC reauthorization of the GSF to continue bringing security and political stability to Haiti. 🇺🇸🇭🇹🌎

OAS member state delegates also met with representatives of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the OAS Mission to Haiti to coordinate multilateral action in supporting Haiti's security and political stability through democratic governance. Together, the Western Hemisphere is stronger. 🇭🇹

Ambassador Rizzuto and fellow OAS member state representatives met with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé to discuss international support for stabilizing Haiti’s crisis. The U.S. is committed to working alongside Haiti and other OAS partners to protect regional security and a create better future for all Haitians. 🇺🇸🤝🇭🇹

Ambassador Rizzuto and OAS ambassadors met the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) Force Commander from Mongolia during their Haiti visit. The GSF is critical for international peace and security, and it would not be possible without multinational support, including personnel from Chad, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica.

On June 11, U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) Ambassador Leandro “Lee” Rizzuto led a delegation of fellow OAS members’ ambassadors to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Delegates engaged with Haitian leadership and the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) to demonstrate the hemisphere's unified commitment to Haiti's security. The United States remains steadfast in its support for the Haitian people and welcomes OAS members’ support for the GSF and its reauthorization in the UNSC. 🇺🇸🇭🇹

As part of , the United States joined , the Mission of Spain to the OAS, and the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America for a reception recognizing Spanish and Hispanic figures who supported our country’s independence. The program highlighted Bernardo de Gálvez, Francisco de Miranda, the Gulf Coast campaigns, and the broader Atlantic story of our nation’s founding. 🇺🇸🇪🇸🌎

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.