Haiti Deposits Instruments of Accession to Ten Maritime Conventions

On Friday, November 6, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs Raina Forbin met with Arsenio Antonio Domínguez Velasco, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at its headquarters in London. Accompanied by Haiti’s Ambassador Anaïse Manuel, who is also Permanent Representative to the IMO, Minister Forbin formally deposited instruments of accession to ten international maritime conventions.

These agreements cover areas such as navigational safety, marine pollution prevention, environmental protection, search and rescue operations, and mechanisms for liability and compensation in cases of damage from maritime activities. This move signifies a significant step toward aligning Haiti’s national legal framework with international standards and enhancing its commitment to global maritime cooperation.

During the meeting, Minister Forbin requested expanded technical assistance from the IMO and met with Caroline Neumann, responsible for Member State audits at the organization, to discuss audit recommendations and explore available support. The accession marks a strategic advancement in improving Haiti’s maritime connectivity and fostering economic growth through trade and investment.

Request for Technical Cooperation

Minister Forbin emphasized the need for expanded technical cooperation from the IMO during her discussions with officials. She also reviewed follow-up actions on previous audit recommendations to further strengthen Haiti's compliance with international standards.