Carlos Ruiz Massieu succeeds María Isabel Salvador as special representative of the UN Secretary-General amidst Haiti’s fragile political transition, escalating gang violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Overview:
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, a seasoned Mexican diplomat, was appointed July 2 as head of the United Nations diplomatic mission in Haiti amid a worsening multidimensional crisis. Tasked with leading political and humanitarian efforts, his nomination follows urgent UN calls to bolster the integrated mission’s (BINUH) mandate and curb gang violence as Haiti faces escalating insecurity and state collapse.
By Juhakenson Blaise, The Haitian Times —
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Mexican diplomat Carlos Ruiz Massieu was appointed July 2 as the special representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), replacing Ecuadoran María Isabel Salvador, whose mandate ended in June.
The UN has not yet announced when Massieu will arrive in Haiti. He takes on the role at a particularly challenging time, as the country grapples with institutional collapse, spiraling gang violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
In her farewell remarks posted on X in Creole, Salvador praised the resilience of the Haitian people.
“Haiti is a country that has deeply moved me — through the warmth of its people, their courage and their determination to move forward despite all kinds of hardships,” Salvador wrote.
“I met women and men from all backgrounds, carrying hope, ideas and a genuine will to build a better future for the next generations.”
As BINUH’s new chief, Massieu will be tasked with advancing political stabilization, restoring the rule of law and bolstering humanitarian efforts — all requiring sustained coordination and commitment from the international community.
“Without increased action from the international community, the complete collapse of state presence in the [Haitian] capital could become a reality.” — Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General
The UN described Massieu as a seasoned diplomat with more than 30 years of experience in diplomacy and public service, including senior positions in both bilateral and multilateral settings. Most recently, he led the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, where he oversaw the peace accord’s implementation between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP rebel group.
His work in Colombia also involved facilitating political dialogue with the National Liberation Army (ELN) and other armed groups. The UN noted that Massieu’s approach — centered on listening and mediation — has earned praise from international partners.
He previously chaired the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions from 2013 to 2018. Prior to joining the UN, he held several roles within the Mexican government and at Mexico’s permanent mission to the UN. Massieu holds a law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico and a master’s in political science from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, with a focus on Latin America.
Massieu’s appointment came after a UN Security Council meeting on July 2, requested by the A3++ group, including Sierra Leone, Somalia, Algeria and Guyana, in response to a letter from the Dominican government, Haiti’s closest neighboring country. During the meeting, council members called for strengthening BINUH’s mandate, strictly enforcing the arms embargo, imposing targeted sanctions on those financing armed groups and reassessing the scope of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti.
Last week, Latin American nations—forming the Organization of American States (OAS)—called for an urgent Haiti aid plan as gangs grow and a strong international mission stalls. Adopting a resolution for immediate action to address the country’s “multidimensional crisis,” members instructed OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin to present a plan within 45 days to shore up security, provide humanitarian aid and help organize free and fair elections.
“Haiti needs an urgent, united response,” Ramdin told OAS delegates. He urged permanent observer states to join in sustained diplomatic and material support. “This is not merely a moral obligation but a shared responsibility. Haiti’s path to peace and recovery depends on collective action.”
UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča described the situation in Haiti as “dire” and warned of a potential “collapse of state presence in the capital.” A recent BINUH report noted more than 4,000 homicides recorded between January and June — a 24% increase over the same period in 2024 — and over 1.3 million internally displaced people.
“Without increased action from the international community, the complete collapse of state presence in the capital could become a reality,” Jenča said.
Executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Fathy Waly, echoed Jenča’s statement, condemning the emergence of parallel governance systems run by armed groups.
“Haiti needs an urgent, united response. This is not merely a moral obligation but a shared responsibility. Haiti’s path to peace and recovery depends on collective action.” – Albert Ramdin, OAS Secretary General
During the security council meeting, U.S. representative John Kelley supported the Kenya-led MSS, advocating for its evolution into a fully mandated UN peacekeeping force. However, China and Russia—as they had repeatedly done previously— opposed the proposal, emphasizing institution-building over what they called “premature militarization.”
Haiti’s representative reaffirmed that any solution must be Haitian-led while urging greater support to BINUH — particularly in tackling sexual violence, protecting children and reinforcing border security.
With Haiti teetering on the edge of complete state failure, the international community now places high expectations on Massieu to revitalize the UN’s mission. His expertise in peacebuilding and diplomacy could prove crucial in fostering the country’s stabilization.
Source: The Haitian Times
Featured image: Mexican diplomat, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, newly appointed special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Haiti. Photo via BINUH’s X account
