Topic Summary

Haiti is one of 21 original member states of the Organization of American States, which has evolved into a 34-member body that aims to protect democracy, facilitate regional dialogue, and maintain mutual security.

Since 2020, Haiti has become embroiled in internal conflict, stemming from widespread gang violence. The country’s president was assassinated in 2021, and two prime ministers have stepped down since. A new prime minister took office as of February 2026, and, in May 2026, the OAS proposed a roadmap with a goal of restabilizing Haiti through increased security measures, the restoration of elections, and strengthening internal institutions.

Yet, over a thousand people have been killed within the first quarter of 2026, and armed gangs still control around 90% of Port-au-Prince. Haiti remains without an elected president or legislature, the economy has declined for seven years straight, and millions are displaced and facing hunger.

Delegates will be tasked with addressing the immediate issues of humanitarian crisis and continued gang violence. The long-term question remains: what’s required to rebuild stability within Haiti’s government and its diplomatic relationships, and what role should the OAS play in achieving that goal?

Director’s Letter

Dear Delegates,

Welcome to the 73rd annual session of Harvard National Model United Nations!

My name is Uy Pham, and it is my pleasure to serve as your Director for the Organization of American States. I’m a sophomore in Winthrop House, and I study Government and Statistics at the College. I’m originally from Orange County in Southern California.

I’ve been involved in Model United Nations since my freshman year of high school, and MUN has shaped me into a more confident, civically-engaged member of society alongside my fellow delegates. I served as the assistant director for the Commission on Narcotic Drugs at HNMUN and the Crisis at the Museum at HMUN last year, and I’m excited to work with you throughout committee to foster dynamic, substantive discussions about the situation in Haiti.

Outside of MUN, I’m involved in The Crimson, where I cover Harvard Law School and help produce our podcast, Newstalk. I also teach civics to local elementary school students through the CIVICS program and serve as a Peer Advising Fellow for first-year students. My favorite sport is soccer; you’ll catch me playing in and refereeing at our intramural soccer games.

The Organization of American States is uniquely positioned to tackle the ongoing crisis in Haiti — not only because of the region’s geographic proximity, but also the deep political, economic, and historical relationships between Haiti and fellow member states. Throughout the course of the committee, I look forward to seeing how you navigate the breadth of pressures facing Haiti, including humanitarian concerns, regional stability, and lingering questions surrounding the country’s long-term governance.

My goal is to cultivate an environment that encourages delegates to thoughtfully engage with a wide range of perspectives through constructive collaboration and discourse, which will guide how they approach similar conversations beyond our time in committee.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions before the conference; I’d love to hear your thoughts about the background guide, the committee flow, or anything else on your mind.

Sincerely,

Uy Pham

Director, Organization of American States

ecosoc@hnmun.org