What's Happening in Haiti?

  • Posted on: 7 March 2024
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The much-awaited Kenyan-led multi-national force is nowhere to be seen - and even if it were, it may not be enough to stop the chaos.  Gangs control 80% of Port-au-Prince, have attacked the airport, and are banding together to force for the resignation of Ariel Henry.  According to a Miami Herald article by Michael Wilner and Jacquline Charles, the U.S Government has asked Henry to move forward with the formation of a transitional council — a mechanism that would involve the appointment of an interim prime minister to replace Henry, compelling his resignation. The situation has been urgent for a long time but the lack of action may result in the toppling of the government and the overwhelming of the Haitian National Police.  A New Humanitarian article by Daniela Mohor below provides more information the humanitarian impact. 

Haitian Doctor is Finalist for Peace Award

  • Posted on: 4 December 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Dr. Marie-Marcelle H. Deschamps (GHESKIO) is among four finalists being considered for the 2023 Women Building Peace Award from the United States Institute for Peace. Dr. Deschamps emphasizes the role of women in promoting both peace and public health, for example in conducting outreach to gangs in order to continue providing much-needed health services to Port-au-Prince residents.  According to Deschamps. “I know the risks are there, but we all have to take a risk and know that we are on a mission, and you choose your battle. We each have a battle and mine is staying here.”  The full article by Miami Herald journalist Jacqueline Charles follows. 

Aid Delivery Depends on Talking to 300 Gangs

  • Posted on: 15 October 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

No matter how bad insecurity ever has been, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has always maintained an important presence in Haiti.  With approximately eighty percent of Port-au-Prince being under gang control, the ICRC must maintain constant communication with many of the 300 gangs and manage their ever-shifting alliances in order to provide assistance to the most vulnerable.  In response to Haiti's worsening situation, ICRC intends to increase its humanitarian efforts including by expanding training for emergency health staff, ambulance services, and support to over-burdened health care facilities in insecure neighborhoods.  The full BBC article by Vanessa Buschschlüter is linked and follows. 

Violence Spreads North With Over 10,000 Displaced

  • Posted on: 29 September 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Unchecked violence continues to spread like a cancer in Haiti, with over 10,000 displaced from their homes in the north.  Suspected gang members attacked a police station in Saut-d'Eau and the Zanmi Lasante (Partners in Health) Facility in Mirebalais has also been attacked.  The Kenyan-led peacekeeping force is still more idea than reality and despite the violence, the United States continues to deport Haitians.  The peacekeepers will face a much worse security situation than any previous peacekeeping force.  More information follows in the Reuters article below. 

Kenya Ready to Lead Multinational Force to Haiti

  • Posted on: 1 August 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Kenya's Foreign Ministry said his country is ready to lead a multinational force into Haiti, which is experiencing a surge in violence between police and gangs.  During a time when so few countries are willing to get involved in Haiti's increasingly desperate situation, it is refreshing to see a country, and one that is not even remotely close to Haiti geographically, offer to take a leadership role.  The proposed 1,000 police officers would help train and assist the Haitian National Police in restoring security.  The deployment would still require a U.N Security Council mandate and formal approvals in Kenya.  The brief article is linked and follows, updates will be posted in comments. 

2023 Trafficking in Persons Report for Haiti

  • Posted on: 18 June 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The U.S State Department recently released its 2023 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report.  There was very limited progress addressing TIP including domestic servitude (restavek). This is hardly surprising given insecurity, weak governance, natural disasters, inflation and increased food insecurity.  Haiti was not downgraded to Level 3 because it developed a written plan that could at least provide a foundation for future efforts.   

Gangs, Hunger, Inflation: UN Convenes Special Meeting on Haiti

  • Posted on: 16 June 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, 5.2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.  According to UNICEF, this includes almost 3 million children, the highest on record.  Gang violence, food insecurity made worse by climate change, natural disasters, a lack of basic services, and disease outbreaks such as cholera together present major security, humanitarian, and development challenges for Haiti and the international community.  Meetings have been called by the United Nations, CARICOM, and partner countries to urge increased support, without which it could yet become much worse.  The full article by Miami Herald journalist Jacqueline Charles follows. 

Macron Honors Touissant Louverture, but Leaves Much Unsaid

  • Posted on: 30 April 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited the French prison where revolutionary leader, Touissant Louverture died, having been kidnapped during what were supposed to be negotiations.  Louverture had wanted equal rights for Haitians which the French would not accept. Jean-Jacques Dessalines subsequently determined the French could not be trusted and must be defeated militarily, which they were.   This is the first time a French leader has paid tribute to Louverture.  It is just the first step on what would be a long road to reconciliation and justice.   The full New York Times article follows. 

Former Ecuadorian Diplomat to head UN Political Office in Haiti

  • Posted on: 20 April 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

As the situation further deteriorates in Haiti, new UN appointees are being cycled in. María Isabel Salvador last month became the new UN Special Representative for Haiti and the head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).  She will play a role in short and longer term solutions that may be negotiated with the Haitian government, other governments, and regional organisations.  The Haitian government clearly cannot restore security on its own.  The full article by Miami Herald journalist Jacqueline Charles is linked and follows. 

UN Names William O'Neill as Independent Expert on Human Rights in Haiti

  • Posted on: 13 April 2023
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has appointed William O’Neill as an independent expert on human rights in Haiti   He will monitor the human-rights situation in Haiti and provide advice and technical assistance to the Haitian government, national human rights institutions and civil society organisations.  Promoting respect for human rights should be an important aspect of re-establishing security, and one hopes, longer term development in Haiti.  The full article by Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald is linked and follows. 

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