Trudeau calls on world leaders to 'come together' in support of Haiti

Justin Trudeau turned his focus to the ongoing crises in Haiti as he spoke with world leaders Monday ahead of the 78th meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

The prime minister met with the Caribbean country's acting prime minister, Garry Conille, on Monday morning before delivering remarks at a high-level meeting for a UN advisory group for Haiti.

Conille stepped into his role earlier this year after former prime minister Ariel Henry was forced out amid surging unrest and violence by criminal gangs that had overrun much of Haiti's capital.

At their meeting, Trudeau spoke about the «slow but real progress that is being made» in Haiti and affirmed Canada's ongoing support. Conille said the country is preparing for elections, possibly in 2026.

Later in the morning, Trudeau told other world leaders at a high-level advisory group for Haiti that «we must come together» with a serious plan to address the humanitarian needs in the country first, and to ensure there is support for a political transition.

He called on the international community to support the transitional government while cautioning that the status quo cannot continue.

Trudeau repeated calls he has made for two years for more countries to sanction Haiti's political and business elites who have helped gangs sow anarchy.

He also said Kenyan police officers must be given more support in leading a global effort to rout the gangs. Kenya is leading an international mission that has been controversial in Haiti but that the UN says is necessary to stop violence and curb the flow of weapons to other Caribbean countries.

Canada is closely invested in the response to the ongoing humanitarian, security and political crises. A UN report released in June said surging gang