The Commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Major General Luiz Ramos, has written a letter to the Haitian people regarding the incidents of rape in Port-Salut.
As commander of the military forces of the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Haiti, I want to express my sincere regret for the unfortunate events caused by a small number of soldiers of MINUSTAH in Port-Salut.
Also I want to assure you that if the allegations against those involved are justified, they will be treated most severely. You have my assurance that we will continue to investigate allegations of misconduct, and we will take immediate action when necessary, and that any wrongdoing will be punished.
As Commander of the military component of MINUSTAH, I expect all soldiers under my command to comply strictly with the ethical principles of the UN, our Code of Conduct, and that these principles be their moral guide.
It is very unfortunate that the bad actions of a few tarnish the many good works of many others. Every day, the vast majority of staff of the MINUSTAH is working to display a high level of professionalism and discipline, and build good relations with the Haitian people. We are guests in your country.
You have my word as Force Commander, which I will spare no effort to continue to demand full respect and consideration, by his words and his actions on the part of our military personnel to the people Haiti.
