Latest
Story
14 May 2024
Dealing with ‘unknowns’ flying in high-conflict Haiti
Learn more
Story
09 May 2024
Haiti: UNICEF ensures thousands have safe drinking water
Learn more
Story
03 May 2024
First Person: ‘Moral obligation’ of Haitian NGO worker to carry on despite kidnapping of two children
Learn more
Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Haiti
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring peace and prosperity for all people. These are also the objectives of the UN in Haiti.
Speech
26 November 2023
Déclaration de la Coordonnatrice résidente des Nations Unies en Haïti, à l'occasion de la commémoration de la Journée Internationale pour l'élimination des violences à l'égard des Femmes et des Filles
Madame la Ministre à la Condition Féminine et aux Droits des Femmes,
Monsieur le Ministre de L’Éducation Nationale et de la Formation,
Madame la Ministre de la Jeunesse, des Sports et de l'Action Civique,
Madame la Présidente du Haut Conseil de la Transition,
Madame la Représentante Spéciale du Secrétaire général de l'ONU en Haïti,
Mesdames, Messieurs, les cadres des Ministères sectoriels présents,
Chers partenaires de la société civile, des organisations de défense des droits des femmes,
Mesdames et messieurs les membres du corps diplomatique,
Mesdames, Messieurs, Représentantes et Représentants d'agences de coopération,
Chers Collègues chefs d'agences des Nations Unies,
Mesdames, Messieurs de la presse écrite, audio-visuelle et en ligne,
Mesdames et Messieurs, en vos rangs, grades, titres et qualités.
Je suis très honorée d'être en votre compagnie pour commémorer la journée internationale pour l'élimination de la violence faite à l'égard des femmes, qui aussi marque le début de 16 jours d’activisme.
Cette journée est un appel à l'action. Pour toute la société haïtienne. Pour nous toutes et tous. Alors que je vous parle, le monde fait face à une régression des droits des femmes, marquée par des atteintes graves à leur dignité, la violence physique, la violence sexuelle et les féminicides.
En Haïti, presque une femme sur trois entre 15 à 49 ans est victime de violences physiques. Dans les quartiers les plus défavorisés, et parmi les communautés déplacées dans la capitale, Port-au-Prince, et dans les régions marquées par l'insécurité, particulièrement l’Artibonite, la prévalence de la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles est encore plus répandue. Une violence sexuelle, souvent très brutale.
Depuis mon arrivée dans le pays, je n'ai eu de cesse d'aller à la rencontre de survivantes. Dans des centres spécialisés, des écoles, etc. Et j’ai rencontré une jeune fille de 14 ans, qui déjà était mère à la suite d’un viol par des membres d’un gang armé.
J'ai pu constater de près leur douleur. J'ai pu écouter leurs histoires, leurs douloureux périples vers la reconstruction.
J'ai pu aussi ressentir leur espoir et aspiration à une vie meilleure. Et j'ai été impressionnée par leur résilience, leur courage et leur résistance, sans égale.
Et cela ne doit pas être négligé. Elle nous appelle à agir, maintenant, et de façon décisive.
Aujourd'hui, je veux témoigner de ma solidarité auprès de toutes ces femmes, mères, soeurs, filles, épouses, citoyennes et professionnelles de tout genre, qui ont été touchées, mais sont toujours debout.
La violence à l'égard des femmes et des filles en Haïti n'est pas récente.
Elle est ancrée dans des décennies d'injustice structurelle et de systèmes patriarchaux qui n'ont pas été bousculés. Dans toutes les sphères de la société.
En effet, on est tous engagés dans des cages qui obligent la société à agir en tant que femme ou en tant que fille ou garçon.
Mais ne nous y méprenons pas. Quand une femme ou une fille haïtienne est victime de violence, toute la société haïtienne est impactée. Nous en payons toutes et tous le prix. La violence a un coût dévastateur pour les femmes et les filles victimes. Elle limite leur participation dans toutes les sphères de la vie et les prive de leurs droits et libertés fondamentales. Mais la violence a également un coût tangible et intangible pour leur famille, leur communauté, leur entreprise, l'État entier.
Non seulement la violence à l'égard des femmes est légalement et moralement répréhensible, mais elle est un frein certain au développement durable et à tout progrès dans une société. Elle entrave la reprise économique équitable et la croissance durable dont le pays a pourtant tant besoin. Nos sociétés sont ainsi moins pacifiques, nos économies moins prospères, notre pays moins juste. Il est dès lors de notre devoir commun de mettre fin à ce fléau, à ce crime.
Je tiens à reconnaitre l'action du Gouvernement, particulièrement le Ministère à la Condition Féminine et aux droits des femmes, et des institutions publiques pour leur leadership visant à éliminer la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles en Haïti.
Je souhaite également saluer l'engagement des organisations de base, de femmes et de défense des droits des femmes dont les actions ont permis des avancées certaines dans cette lutte en Haïti. Les acteurs de la société civile et particulièrement les organisations féministes et féminines constituent nos meilleures armes pour une action plus intégrée entre les acteurs de développement, de la consolidation de la paix et les acteurs humanitaires.
Je souhaite également apprécier l'engagement de l'Union Européenne et de tous les partenaires techniques et financiers pour leur action aux côtés des agences des Nations Unies et du peuple haïtien dans ce combat, notamment au travers de l'initiative Spotlight.
Dans cette optique, une réunion s'est tenue mercredi dernier avec le gouvernement, la société civile et nos partenaires de développement pour réfléchir au renforcement de la réponse nationale à la problématique de la violence faite aux femmes et aux filles.
Mesdames et messieurs,
Aujourd'hui, je renouvelle l'engagement total des Nations Unies à continuer à soutenir chaque femme et fille en Haïti, ainsi que le Gouvernement, et à s'attaquer aux causes profondes de la violence sexuelle.
Un monde différent est possible. En Haïti, une société différente est possible.
Le thème choisi pour la campagne « Tous UniS » cette année - « Investir pour prévenir la violence à l'égard des femmes et des filles » - appelle chacun et chacune d'entre nous à agir.
Cela signifie :
Appuyer des lois et des politiques qui renforcent la protection des droits des femmes dans tous les domaines ;
Renforcer les investissements dans la prévention et le soutien aux organisations de défense des droits des femmes ;
Investir dans l’éducation civique ;
Écouter les survivantes et mettre fin à l'impunité des auteurs de violences, où qu'ils se trouvent ;
Garantir les droits sexuels et reproductifs de chaque femme ;
Soutenir les militantes et mettre en avant le rôle clé des femmes à tous les stades de la prise de décision ; et
Plus que jamais, garantir la voix et la participation active des femmes dans l'espace politique dans l'optique de la tenue d'élections dans un futur proche. Chères femmes, engagez-vous !
Chères femmes, engagez-vous !
Alors que la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l'Homme célèbre ses 75 ans cette année, levons-nous et exprimons-nous. Osons construire un monde qui refuse de tolérer la violence à l'égard des femmes, où que ce soit et sous quelque forme que ce soit. Une fois pour toutes.
Merci
1 of 5
Story
20 October 2023
50 jeunes ambassadeurs de la paix par le sport
« Tout ce que j’ai appris ici ne restera pas enfermé dans un tiroir. Je vais le partager dans les coins de rues pour aider tout le monde et former beaucoup d’enfants afin qu’Haïti puisse sortir de ce qu’elle est. Quand naitra la nouvelle Haïti, nous serons déjà prêts ! », a indiqué Géraldine Calixte, coach et professeure d’éducation physique et sportive, désormais ambassadrice de la paix par le sport.
Cinquante jeunes, issus de quartiers en proie à la violence, ont reçu leurs certificats d’ambassadeurs de la paix par le sport, au cours d’une cérémonie organisée par l'Observatoire national du sport haïtien (ONASH) en collaboration avec le ministère de l'Éducation Nationale et de la Formation Professionnelle, ainsi que le système des Nations Unies en Haïti. Cet événement a eu lieu le mercredi 18 octobre 2023 à l'Hôtel Karibe.
Résultat du partenariat entre l'ONASH, l'École normale Pestalozzi, l'UNESCO, la Direction Santé Scolaire, l'Office de la Protection du Citoyen (OPC), et les fédérations haïtiennes de handball, de football, de volleyball et de basketball, la formation de ces jeunes récipiendaires sur l'Éducation Physique et Sportive et la Réduction des Violences dans les Communautés s'est déroulée du 17 juillet au 21 septembre.
Cette formation a permis aux participants, parmi lesquels figuraient 13 filles et 4 personnes à mobilité réduite, d’être des « acteurs engagés, des agents de transformation sociale, des médiateurs de la paix à travers le sport », comme l'a souligné Tatiana Villegas, Cheffe du Bureau de l'UNESCO en Haïti, lors de la cérémonie.
« Je félicite nos 50 jeunes futurs ambassadeurs de la paix, pour le choix qu’ils ont fait de s’engager pour promouvoir la paix à travers le sport » a déclaré, au nom de la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général et Cheffe du BINUH, Maria Isabel Salvador, le Commissaire de police des Nations Unies en Haïti, Papa Samba.
Ces jeunes sont désormais dotés de compétences essentielles en matière de coaching en football, basketball, et handball, de l'éthique et de la déontologie du sport, ainsi que de la planification des interventions en éducation physique et sportive. De plus, elle leur a enseigné des notions de gestion de conflits, de droits humains et de citoyenneté, les engageant ainsi à devenir de jeunes acteurs de paix et de stabilité à travers le sport.
L'initiateur de cette formation, le président de l'ONASH, Me. Edwing Charles, a félicité et encouragé les récipiendaires. Il a rappelé l'importance du sport en tant que vecteur de paix, de tolérance et de réconciliation, exprimant sa fierté d'honorer « ces jeunes dévoués à cette noble cause : celle de travailler à la réduction de la violence par le sport. »
Mesurant l’honneur, mais également la responsabilité que lui confère le nouveau rôle d’ambassadeur pour la paix par le sport, Rony Saint-Surin, handi-boxeur, a assuré qu’il compte « transmettre cette formation à mon club, à la fédération haïtienne de boxe, aux écoles, églises, partout où il y a du monde […] Je le partagerai aussi avec les sourds-muets, car je parle leur langue ».
1 of 5
Speech
31 October 2023
Déclaration à la presse de l'Expert indépendant sur la situation des droits humains en Haïti
Port-au-Prince (31 octobre 2023) Mesye dam bonjou (Bonjour à tous). Permettez-moi de commencer par remercier les autorités pour leur soutien à mon mandat, le BINUH pour l’accueil et le soutien apporté, ainsi que les organisations de la société civile et aux victimes que j’ai pu rencontrer.
Je viens de conclure ma deuxième visite officielle en Haïti. Je continue d’être alarmé par la situation préoccupante qui s'étend rapidement dans d'autres départements, notamment l’Artibonite et le Nord-Ouest. Les meurtres, blessures et kidnappings sont l’apanage quotidien de la population. La violence sexuelle envers les femmes et les filles demeure endémique et aucune avancée concernant l’accès aux services et à la justice pour les survivantes n’a été enregistrée depuis ma dernière visite.
Je suis particulièrement préoccupé par l’impact de l’insécurité et de la violence sur les enfants. Les témoignages reçus sont édifiants. C’est une génération entière qui semble sacrifiée par la violence et l’avenir d’un pays qui est menacé par la situation dramatique de sa jeunesse. J’exhorte les autorités à accorder une attention prioritaire à la situation des enfants.
Beaucoup ont subi - et continuent de subir -de graves violences et violations de leurs droits. Ils sont aussi victimes de la situation humanitaire catastrophique avec un accès à la santé, à l’eau, à l’alimentation et à l’éducation sévèrement entravés. C’est particulièrement le cas dans les quartiers défavorisés sous contrôle des gangs et désertés par l’Etat. J’ai reçu de nombreux témoignages indiquant que beaucoup d’enfants souffrent d’émaciation, forme de malnutrition la plus mortelle.Plus de 500 000 jeunes n’ont pas accès à l'éducation. De nombreux enfants de ces quartiers sont recrutés par les gangs, faute d’opportunités, ou par peur des représailles.
Le système de justice haïtien demeure dysfonctionnel et nonadapté pour protéger les enfants en danger ou pour juger les mineurs en conflit avec la loi. Le Tribunal pour enfants est paralysé. J’ai visité la prison pour mineurs de Port-au-Prince, le Cermicol et ai fait le constat alarmant de la surpopulation carcérale, avec un taux d’occupation dépassant les 350%, mais aussi de l’insalubrité et du manque d’accès à l’eau potable exposant les enfants aux maladies. 99% des mineurs détenus dans la prison n’ont pas été condamnés, la plupart sont en situation de détention préventive prolongée. Ils sont incarcérés depuis des années pour vol d’une poule, de chaussures ou de téléphone, sans avoir vu un juge. J’ai néanmoins été encouragé par la mise en place d’une Commission intergouvernementale pour permettre de désengorger les prisons.Il nous faut des résultats rapidement.
La situation des déplacés internes me préoccupe également. Il y a au moins 200,000 personnes déplacées en Haïti. Beaucoup se trouvent dans des conditions de vie inhumaines, sans accès aux services de base, survivant dans des camps de fortune. J’ai reçu des témoignages effroyables d’enfants et de personnes âgées qui dorment à même le sol, près de monticules de déchets et sans accès à l’eau potable. J’ai aussi entendu des témoignages de femmes et de filles qui sont victimes de viols à répétition, sans accès aux soins. L’Etat doit prendre ses responsabilités pour prévenir les violations et les abus des droits humains mais aussi pour protéger sa population, en particulier les populations les plus vulnérables.
J’ai entendu un désir fort pour l’arrivée de la Mission Multinationale de Soutien à la Sécurité (MSS) au sein de la population haïtienne. Le déploiement imminent de cette mission dans des conditions strictes de respect et de protection des droits humains, est nécessaire pour soulager les populations en proie à la souffrance. Il est néanmoins fondamental que cette mission anticipe et prenne la mesure des défis actuels pour réussir son objectif sur le long-terme. Beaucoup de ces mesures doivent passer par un retour de la confiance de la population dans ses institutions.
Celles-ci doivent être renforcées, notamment par l’intermédiaire de systèmes de contrôles publics fiables et transparents pour endiguer la corruption et l’impunité. La Police Nationale Haïtienne (PNH) doit notamment accélérer son processus de « vetting » de ses agents et le système judiciaire doit achever la certification de ses magistrats. Les codes de déontologie doivent être mis en œuvre. Je réitère mes encouragements au travail mené par l’Unité de Lutte contre la Corruption (ULCC) pour lutter contre le fléau de la corruption.
Le régime des sanctions internationales a lancé un signal fort pour démanteler les réseaux de corruption qui gangrènent le pays. Il devra aussi être accompagné par des poursuites judiciaires au niveau national pour mettre fin à l’impunité. Je réitère mon appel à la communauté internationale pour mettre fin au trafic illégal d’armes et de munitions qui circulent en Haïti et continue de faire de nombreuses victimes chaque jour.
Un défi majeur concerne le fait que beaucoup de membres de gangs sont des enfants. Il sera nécessaire de mettre en œuvre des programmes de réhabilitation et de réinsertion pour la grande majorité d’entre eux. Selon les acteurs interrogés il est essentiel que l’Etat joue un rôle clef dans la reconstruction du modèle social et économique pour permettre aux plus vulnérables de trouver des opportunités sur place et ainsi éviter les départs massifs de populations en quête de jours meilleurs.
J’ai enfin visité le canal en construction sur la rivière Massacre à Ouanaminthe, ainsi que la frontière avec la République dominicaine. Je continue d’entendre des témoignages faisant état d’un impact désastreux de la fermeture de la frontière sur l’accès à la santé, à l’eau et à l’alimentation. Je réitère mon appel au dialogue et au passage de l’aide afin de protéger les populations vulnérables de l’impact humanitaire dramatique de cette mesure. Je salue par ailleurs le travail de la police à Ouanaminthe et Fort Liberté qui, grâce à une police communautaire et de proximité, a réussi à maîtriser la situation de la violence dans le département. 32 agents de police ont été tués depuis le début de l’année.
Assurer la sécurité et la protection de la population est une priorité. Surmonter les lacunes institutionnelles et renforcer l’Etat de droit restent des prérequis fondamentaux pour un changement sur le long terme. Ne répétons pas les erreurs du passé.
Misyon mwen an fini men travay la ap kontinye. Mèsi anpil. (Ma mission se termine mais le travail continue. Je vous remercie de tout cœur).
1 of 5
Publication
20 April 2023
Cadre de Coopération des Nations Unies pour le Développement Durable 2023-2027
Le Cadre de Coopération des Nations Unies pour le Développement Durable représente l’engagement collectif de l’ONU en Haïti afin d’accompagner les efforts du pays dans la réalisation de l’Agenda 2030 pour le développement durable et assurer une mise en œuvre du Programme Commun des Nations Unies ainsi que le Nouvel Agenda pour la Paix.
Le Cadre de Coopération des Nations Unies pour le Développement Durable est aligné sur les priorités du Plan Stratégique de Développement d’Haïti (PSDH) et sur la vision du Gouvernement visant à faire d’Haïti un pays émergent. Élaboré sur la base des principes de la réforme du Système des Nations Unies, ce Cadre de Coopération marque un nouvel élan dans le partenariat entre l’ONU et le Gouvernement pour la période 2023-2027. Il repose sur une vision partagée des défis et des opportunités du pays. Il s’aligne aussi sur les recommandations issues de l’Examen périodique universel (EPU) d’Haïti de 2022 et fait écho aux valeurs de justice, de liberté et de dignité portées par la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme.
1 of 5
Story
16 August 2022
First Person: Taking to the sea to deliver aid in Haiti
A shipping officer working for the World Food Programme in Haiti has been explaining why the delivery of humanitarian aid by ship is becoming increasingly critical.
Captain Madeleine Habib, who is from Australia, spoke about her experiences ahead of World Humanitarian Day, which is marked annually on 19 August and the theme for which this year is “It takes a village.”
“I am a Shipping Officer for the World Food Programme in Haiti. I manage the organization’s coastal shipping service to ensure the safe transit of essential humanitarian goods and assets to the northern and southern parts of the country.
A maritime alternative is increasingly critical as gang control over the highways out of the capital continues to grow. This means that the Haitian population and humanitarian actors have limited freedom of movement in and out of the capital.
The situation has a huge impact on the population's income and on the implementation of humanitarian and development projects that should support the community.
This is especially true for the population of the southern peninsula of the country which is still suffering from the devastating impact of the August 2021 earthquake.
One year after the disaster, I recognize that thousands of people, especially in the south, are still struggling to recover and are unable to rebuild their lives because the growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince has shattered their economic prospects. Farmers in the rural south are unable to get their produce to markets so their livelihoods are suffering.
It takes a village and supply chain is an essential part of that village. We might not be on the frontline, but our network of trucks, ships and planes keeps essential humanitarian aid moving towards our beneficiaries.
Our team continues to ensure the transportation of humanitarian aid to these vulnerable populations.”
1 of 5
Story
14 May 2024
Dealing with ‘unknowns’ flying in high-conflict Haiti
Two women involved in the day-to-day operations in Haiti of the UN’s humanitarian air service, known as UNHAS, say they have to manage “unknowns” and “dangers and stress” in order to keep aircraft flying.Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is gripped by insecurity due to gang violence and now UNHAS, which is managed by the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is the only option for humanitarian workers to travel safely in and out of the city and for critical equipment and relief aid to be transported and distributed within the country.Robine JNBaptise, who works for UNHAS, and Christine Blais, who is employed by Construction Helicopters, the aviation company operating the aircraft, spoke to UN News about their experiences of working in a high-conflict zone.Robine JNBaptise: We have two aircraft here in Haiti – a helicopter that holds about 19 people or can carry two tonnes or cargo and a fixed-wing jet 45 that carries nine people. I am an aviation and booking assistant, so am responsible for getting people on and off the aircraft. I also assist with administration and securing operating permits.Christine Blais: I have served as a flight mechanic and crew chief flying missions around Haiti. On any given day, we would fly between two to six hours. Our aircraft are now based in Cap Haitien, but we have flown out of Turks and Caicos as well as the Dominican Republic.Robine JNBaptise: It’s a stressful job, but luckily for me, I perform very well under pressure. On some days, we help up to 100 people, mainly [non-governmental organisation] NGO workers, but also UN staff. We are moving people to a safer part of the country, but also bringing essential staff back to Port-au-Prince. We have relocated some 200 people to destinations outside Haiti, so at the end of the day, it’s a rewarding job.Christine Blais: When we land in Port-au-Prince, we keep the time on the ground to a minimum in order to mitigate the risks. We can land, load and take off within two to five minutes, which is very fast. We have a very good ground crew who keep us safe. In a high-conflict zone, we have to remain flexible at all times whilst responding to the needs of the UN. Robine JNBaptise: One of the big challenges we face is overflying Port-au-Prince, where gangs are fighting each other or with the police. There is always the danger that one of our aircraft gets hit by a stray bullet, although I don’t think that our aircraft are being intentionally targeted.Christine Blais: Colleagues of mine were at the international airport when there was a security breach. It was definitely a dangerous and scary moment for them as shots were being fired as they were working on an aircraft. A commercial plane, which was on the ground at the time, was hit.Robine JNBaptise: The international airport closed for some weeks, so we established a landing zone elsewhere. One big concern is that gangs could move into this area and take over the landing zone which would stop our operations.This can be a scary job, but we are now used to the dangers and stress, although we make sure not to take risks. I have to keep in mind that anything can happen to me or the aircraft.Christine Blais: In high-conflict zones, there are always unknowns, and we have to be aware of the threats at all times. I rely a lot on our team and understand that if something were to happen, you just have to deal with it as it comes. Robine JNBaptise: The service we are providing is really lifesaving, so if our landing zones were shut down, it would be disastrous. At UNHAS, we always need to remind people that we are a humanitarian service and that we take no sides. Our role is to transport humanitarian workers and relief aid in order to help people in crisis.I have never thought of leaving the country. If I leave, then who is there to stay? As a Haitian and a humanitarian worker, I want to be here and help to get the country back to where it once was.At some point, the situation is going to improve because when we reach rock bottom, there’s nowhere else to go except up. This is my home, and I want to be part of a brighter future for Haiti. This article first appeared in UN News.
1 of 5
Story
09 May 2024
Haiti: UNICEF ensures thousands have safe drinking water
More than 30,000 people displaced by gang violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, have access to safe drinking water thanks to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and partners. Port-au-Prince has been in the grip of armed groups for several years now, and roughly two months ago they launched coordinated attacks which paralyzed the metropolitan area. Since then, UNICEF, alongside the National Directorate for Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) and partners, has provided more than 2.6 million litres of safe drinking water to children and families across 20 sites housing those displaced.Dire conditions, disease threat The recent escalation of violence has compounded the already dire situation faced by children and families, who already lack essential support and facilities.The current rainy season has only added to their plight, leading to major flooding in lowland areas of the capital and the resurgence of cholera cases in Cité Soleil, an extremely impoverished neighbourhood. "With no drinking quality water and adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities, displaced children are exposed to water-borne diseases, more specifically to a widespread cholera outbreak" said Ruben Um Bayiha, Chief of UNICEF's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programme. ‘Navigating a war zone’ Furthermore, he said “operating in such an insecure and volatile environment is akin to navigating a war zone every day.” Despite the challenges, UNICEF and partners are stepping up efforts to protect children and families and provide the lifesaving support they desperately need, he stressed. Supporting displaced families UNICEF leads WASH response in Haiti, providing over half of overall support, ensuring safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services at all displacement sites. Initiatives include trucking water, treating piped water, repairing water supply and sanitation systems, building temporary latrines, providing essential hygiene items, and delivering hygiene messages. UNICEF said its WASH efforts “yielded significant outcomes” during March, with over 700,000 gallons (2.66 million litres) of chlorinated water distributed to displaced families and children. Collaborative efforts with partners such as the aid organizations Solidarités International, ORRAH, and ACTED, have ensured that essential needs were met even in the most challenging circumstances. Furthermore, UNICEF and partners have distributed hygiene kits to almost 11,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across six sites. ‘Crisis will worsen’ UNICEF has also prioritized improving sanitary conditions in the high-risk IDP sites, including removing and safely disposing about 78 cubic metres of fecal sludge from three sites accommodating roughly 7,000 people. Mr. Um Bayiha upheld the agency’s commitment to addressing evolving needs, particularly as the region braces for the upcoming hurricane season. Yet, he warned that "this crisis will worsen unless the response is scaled up urgently,” underscoring the need for funding. UNICEF aims to support more than 884,000 people across Haiti this year to access quality water for drinking and domestic needs, as well as appropriate sanitation services and critical WASH supplies.Thousands receive mealsMeanwhile, UN humanitarians and partners been supporting people affected by recent gang clashes in Delmas commune in Port-au-Prince.Meals, shelter and other supplies have been provided to displaced persons and the host community, and the hope is that assistance will ramp up as soon as security allows.This week, the World Food Programme distributed food to 264,000 schoolchildren and more than 5,600 displaced people in the capital.WFP also distributed food in Cité Soleil, reaching some 26,000 people this week.Teams have reached more than 680,000 people since the beginning of March and provided more than 800,000 hot meals to more than 94,000 displaced people in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. WFP has also distributed school meals to more than 330,000 school children across Haiti. This article first appeared in UN News.
1 of 5
Story
03 May 2024
First Person: ‘Moral obligation’ of Haitian NGO worker to carry on despite kidnapping of two children
A woman whose two children were kidnapped on the way to school in Haiti has said she feels a moral obligation to continue her work supporting displaced people despite the trauma the family has experienced.The Caribbean island nation continues to endure extreme insecurity, with widespread and incessant violence as rival gangs fight each other and the police for control of the capital, Port-au-Prince.The violence, which includes kidnapping for ransom, is playing out against a backdrop of political and economic crises as well as poverty and underdevelopment.Chantale Valcourt leads CAPAC, a national non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, and partners with the World Food Programme (WFP).“My two daughters, who are 11 and eight years old, were kidnapped on their way to school in Port-au-Prince on 30 October 2023. They were held for five days and released after a ransom was paid. Even though they were released safe and sound and were treated with respect by the kidnappers, this has been an incredibly traumatic experience for my family, especially my children.After this incident the school never really reopened and so in January, with the best interests of my daughters in mind, I sent them out of the country. It’s getting harder and harder for me to go out to work, and I’m always on alert for danger, but I have never had the intention to leave. Despite everything, I have continued to do my job as I have a sense of duty to my community and to humanity.I feel a strong moral obligation to support other peopleThis is the daily reality faced by Haitian people and is one of the ever-present dangers that humanitarians on the frontline of supporting vulnerable people must deal with.We moved from our house in the north of Port-au-Prince because gangs had moved in, so I am in effect a displaced person.Desperate situationCAPAC is a national NGO and we work alongside WFP. Our mission is to ensure social justice and gender equality and to eliminate poverty by working in collaboration with vulnerable populations. We work in some of the hardest-to-reach gang-controlled areas, including Cité Soleil, La Saline, Martissant, Croix-des-Bouquets, Bas-Delmas and the downtown districts of Port-au-Prince.Access is very challenging, especially in the context of clashes between gangs and the Haitian National Police. Many of the people we are trying to reach remain hidden inside their homes. This makes it impossible to deliver aid at the speed required in gang-controlled neighbourhoods.Their situation remains desperate. In recent days, we have witnessed more suffering and instability linked to the forced displacement of the most vulnerable people.Armed gang attacks and intensive shooting in populated areas have caused massive destruction of civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and places associated with religious worship.Frontline woman leaderAs a frontline woman leader coordinating the emergency humanitarian response in Port-au-Prince, I’ve experienced events I’d never witnessed before. They remain etched in the mind.The impact of our work on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our communities cannot be ignored.Despite the situation on the ground, the terror of the gangs and the limited access for humanitarians, the distribution of hot meals and cash transfers is vital to saving lives.My own situation has made me even more determined to help the poorest people. In fact, I sometimes take my baby with me to work as I never considered that breastfeeding would stop for me from providing support to people in distress. I never wanted to interrupt or stop the work of our organisation.Positives amongst the chaosThe situation in Haiti is very chaotic and destructive. But, surprisingly enough, I have found some positives. I have met many strong and impressive women who have given me a better understanding of what we can do to bring change. I’ve learned a lot from them. The whole world can learn from them.Whatever the situation, I remain motivated to be on the frontline and continue to break the cycle of poverty by bringing vital help to the most vulnerable in marginalised communities.”
1 of 5
Story
23 April 2024
UN envoy urges international solidarity with Haiti as gang violence spirals
As gang violence increases in Haiti, the international community must continue to stand in solidarity with the population, the UN Special Representative for the country told the Security Council on Monday.“Today, it pains me to note that all speeches and callings had not avoided that some of the worst scenarios for Haiti have become realities in recent months and weeks,” said Maria Isabel Salvador, who also heads the UN mission in Haiti, BINUH.Speaking from the capital, Port-au-Prince, she said it was impossible to overstate the increase in gang activity in the city and beyond, along with the deterioration of the human rights situation and the deepening of the humanitarian crisis.Last October, the Security Council authorized the deployment of a Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) to assist Haiti’s embattled police force. Although more than five million people, roughly half the population, are going hungry and hundreds of thousands have been displaced, a $674 humanitarian appeal for Haiti is less than nine per cent funded.Attacks and confrontationsMs. Salvador recalled that in early March, gangs mounted coordinated attacks against key state infrastructure, including several police stations and two of the main prisons in Port-au-Prince, as well as educational and health facilities, and religious sites. They also launched several attacks against the Presidential Palace, sparking violent clashes with the Haitian National Police (HNP), leading to multiple casualties. Furthermore, gang confrontations around the international airport have forced all commercial airlines to halt services.She noted that roughly 2,500 persons were killed or injured due to gang violence during the first quarter of the year. This represents a 53 per cent increase over the previous reporting period, making it the most violent quarter since BINUH began recording statistics two years ago.Deploy Multinational Support MissionMs. Salvador said the national police - assisted by Haiti’s “modest” Armed Forces and advised by BINUH and other international partners - have deployed immense efforts to contain the violence while being targeted by the gangs. “Nevertheless, the severity of the current crisis underscores the gaps in capacity within the national structures and the urgent need for international assistance, namely through the immediate deployment of the MSS,” she said.On the political front, she noted that Haitian stakeholders have worked to put their differences aside in efforts to find a common path towards restoring democratic institutions, including establishing a Transitional Presidential Council following the resignation announcement by Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March. Security critical for progressA number of other bodies are also expected to be established, including a National Security Council and a Provisional Electoral Council “which is urgently required to set plans in motion for the organization of elections.”Ms. Salvador noted that despite the recent positive developments on the political front, improving the security situation remains a condition sine qua non for further progress. “I cannot stress enough the need to assist Haiti with its efforts to reestablish security,” she said. “One and a half years since Haiti requested assistance to enhance security and more than six months since this Council authorized the deployment of the MSS, we must continue to stress the importance of its urgent deployment.” Children in the crosshairsCatherine Russell, head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), appealed for greater support for the humanitarian plan for Haiti. Of the roughly 5.5 million Haitians who need assistance, three million are children.She said boys and girls are being injured or killed in the violence each day. Some are being recruited, or join armed groups out of sheer desperation. Recent UNICEF data indicates that anywhere from 30 to per 50 cent of armed groups have children in their ranks."Women and girls continue to be targeted with extreme levels of gender-based and sexual violence,” she added.“Last year, thousands of cases of sexual violence were reported, many of which were perpetrated against children. The true number of cases is likely much higher.”Humanitarian activities have also fallen victim to the violence as access to the port in the capital has been cut off because of armed group operations in the area.Ms. Russell said nearly 300 containers of humanitarian supplies are now stranded, including 17 UNICEF containers loaded with nutrition supplements, as well as neonatal, maternal and medical supplies. Stand with HaitiThe Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Waly, said the violence "is made possible by the continued influx of guns into Haiti and is supported by corruption."Recent events also suggest concerning signs of collusion between different gangs, she added.The latest wave of violence saw reported fighting between gangs, but also signs of collaboration between certain groups to carry out attacks.Furthermore, the attacks targeting key infrastructure were another reminder of the significant increase in firepower that the gangs possess, as weapons continue to flow into Haiti.“We must stand with Haiti’s institutions and citizens in confronting violence, corruption, and chaos, and in working for a more stable and secure future for the people of Haiti,” she said. This article first appeared in UN News.
1 of 5
Story
23 April 2024
First Person: ‘Our tears are dry, we are exhausted’ – Youth voices in Haiti
A youth activist in Haiti has described how years of gang violence, kidnappings and insecurity in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has forced their “tears to run dry”.Duval Dormeus is part of a group supported by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and was first interviewed by UN News back in July 2022.The security situation has worsened in the Caribbean country since then. In the first three months of 2024, over 2,500 people have been killed or injured due to gang violence, according to the United Nations mission in the country, BINUH.Mr. Dormeus told UN News how he has managed to get by over the past two years.“I am looking at the bad state of my country. I am looking at the lives of people whose lives are burdened with violence and misery. I'm watching how people have become resigned to poverty.There are more bandits, and I'm watching how they are turning Haitians into refugees in their own country. Banditry, prostitution and kidnapping are the big businesses here.I am looking at the insecurity that does not spare anyone – entrepreneurs, artists, students, traders, we are all affected.I'm looking at a dead-end country. I'm looking at how 14-year-old children are forced into prostitution by adults.In this country, the preferred food for dogs and pigs is the fresh bodies they find on the streets of the city.Misery, death, squalor and unemployment are all on the rise. We can hear the sound of gunfire, and there are deaths every day.Many young men no longer believe in hard work and patience. A place of warI still live in the Cité Soleil neighbourhood, a place of war, a place of misery, even though as a country Haiti is barely habitable. But, despite everything, we are resilient. This is how we survive.Everything that is happening in front of me makes me tired. I want to find refuge somewhere, but I cannot hide as I need to resist.My breath is exhausted, and our tears, the tears of young people, are dry.I’ve seen too much for someone of my age. My head is spinning, but my brain will not stop thinking, so I continue to fight.Motivating young peopleI have continued to work in a community organisation [Comité Consultatif de Jeunes] which supports young people. We are working hard in areas which are affected by gang violence to reduce juvenile delinquency.We do this through group activities, getting young people together from neighbourhoods which are controlled by different gangs to discuss the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.I am paid for these group activities, and this is how I survive.Despite the many problems, I feel as though I have grown in the last two years due to my work in the community. I am always available to motivate and support other young people.I would like to get to know youth from other countries to exchange ideas and to understand how they deal with the problems they face, including climate change, technology and sustainable development.When I first spoke to UN News, my identity was protected for security reasons. I was anonymous.Even though the situation is now more dangerous, I want to show my face and demonstrate the sort of person I am.I know there are risks but, in this way, I think my family, my friends and the community will be better protected.Comité Consultatif des Jeunes is part of a programme called Semans Lapè (seeds of peace) which is managed by the non-governmental organisation Concern Worldwide. It has been funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund in line with the UN’s youth, peace and security agenda, which calls for the full participation of young people in issues of peace and security in their communities. This article first appeared in UN News.
1 of 5
Press Release
15 April 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council in Haiti
The Secretary-General welcomes the publication on 12 April of the decree formally establishing the Transitional Presidential Council and urges all Haitian stakeholders to continue making progress in putting in place transitional governance arrangements, including the timely appointment of an interim Prime Minister and government, and the nomination of the members of the Provisional Electoral Council. The Secretary-General takes note of the functions of the Transitional Presidential Council, including working with all members of the international community to accelerate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission authorized by Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023). He reiterates his call on all Member States to contribute to the MSS.Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 13 April 2024
New York, 13 April 2024
1 of 5
Press Release
12 March 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Haiti
The Secretary-General takes note of the agreement reached yesterday by Haitian stakeholders on a transitional governance arrangement, including the establishment of a Presidential Council and the appointment of an interim Prime Minister. He also takes note of Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s announcement that he would resign immediately upon the installation of a Transitional Presidential Council.The Secretary-General expresses appreciation to CARICOM, and other international partners, for facilitating a way forward to resolve Haiti’s political crisis and calls on all Haitian stakeholders to act responsibly and to take steps towards the implementation of the agreement in order to restore the country’s democratic institutions through peaceful, credible, participatory and inclusive elections. The United Nations, through its mission, will continue to support Haiti on its path towards elections.The Secretary-General reiterates his unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti who are in need of safety, shelter, food and medical care, and to live their lives in dignity.Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General
New York, 12 March 2024
New York, 12 March 2024
1 of 5
Press Release
08 December 2023
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Haiti
New York, 07 December 2023 - The Secretary-General is concerned over the limited progress in the inter-Haitian dialogue towards a lasting and inclusive political solution to restore the country’s democratic institutions.
The Secretary-General extends his full support to the efforts of the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group and to BINUH to facilitate sustainable and nationally-owned solutions to Haiti’s political crisis.
He looks forward to the continued preparations for the deployment of urgently needed security support to the Haitian National Police, through a Multinational Security Support mission, as authorized by resolution 2699 (2023).
The Secretary-General underlines the importance of an agreement on the restoration of democratic institutions - providing for credible, participatory and inclusive elections - to achieving sustainable rule of law and security. He appeals to the full range of political actors and stakeholders in Haiti to come together and reach a broad consensus as a matter of priority.
1 of 5
Press Release
01 December 2023
Leadership Communautaire : Clé de Voûte de l'Éradication du SIDA en Haïti
Port-au-Prince, Haiti, December 1st, 2023 – On World AIDS Day, celebrated each year on 1 December, UNAIDS is calling for action to further strengthen community leadership in Haiti, which represents a crucial element in defeating the pandemic by 2030.
This year, World AIDS Day is commemorated under the theme "Let Communities Lead". Indeed, the new UNAIDS report highlights that achieving the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat, is only possible if communities on the frontlines obtain the full support they need from governments and donors.
With an estimated HIV prevalence of 1.7% among adults (15-49 years) in 2022, Haiti has made significant progress in its response to the pandemic, reducing new infections by 21% and AIDS-related deaths by nearly 75%, between 2010 and 2022. These achievements are a result of the determination of civil society organizations and community associations, social workers, and activists whose invaluable commitment has been instrumental in combating stigma and discrimination at national level.
The United Nations System in Haiti is calling for support to communities of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, and who are fully committed to and engaged in the response. "It is with them and their commitment that we can succeed in eliminating the threat of AIDS. Eliminating inequalities is equally critical to changing the lives of people living with HIV and the communities most vulnerable to HIV infection", stated Maria Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Haiti.
"Community-based organizations have for a long time represented the backbone of the HIV response in Haiti. Their unwavering support is fundamental to eradicating the AIDS pandemic and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals ", highlights Ulrika Richardson, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Haiti and Humanitarian Coordinator, simultaneously stressing the critical role of health in Haiti's development.
Recognizing the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Government President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which coincides with this internationally-celebrated annual event, Dr. Christian Mouala, UNAIDS Country Director in Haiti, said: "PEPFAR has been a key partner for Haiti, establishing solid partnerships across key national and international stakeholders. We celebrate this dynamic collaboration and call for its continued strengthening to achieve our common goal.”
Since its first commemoration in 1988 by the United Nations General Assembly, 1 December has symbolized a day of global reflection, assessment of progress made and strategic readjustment in the global response to HIV/AIDS. UNAIDS' ambitious 95-95-95 targets for 2025 highlight the importance of accurate knowledge of HIV status, universal access to antiretroviral treatment, and viral load suppression among people on antiretroviral therapy.
*****
En savoir plus sur la Journée mondiale 2023 (ONUSIDA)
Pour plus d'informations, veuillez contacter :
Wegbert Chery, Conseiller Egalité et Droit pour Tous et Toutes (ERA) à l’ONUSIDA en Haïti ; Tél : +509 46512125; Courriel : cheryw@unaids.org
Igor Rugwiza, Responsable communication du Bureau de la Coordonnatrice Résidente ; Tel : +509 48084749 ; courriel : rugwiza@un.org
Béatrice Nibogora, Responsable communication du Bureau intégré des Nations Unies en Haïti ; Tel : +509 36537043 ; Courriel nibogorab@un.org
1 of 5
Press Release
14 June 2023
MEDIA ADVISORY - SAVING LIVES: ADDRESSING FOOD SECURITY NEEDS OF HAITI
Special Event http://bit.ly/HaitiFreeOfHunger
Friday, 16 June 2023, 10:00am – 1:00pm
WHERE: Trusteeship Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York
WHAT: Nearly half of the population in Haiti doesn’t have enough to eat. In rural areas, 76 percent of people are affected by food insecurity. Restoring livelihoods is fundamental to the humanitarian response. Launched in April 2023, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 called for an unprecedented $719 million - almost double from 2022. To date, the plan is only 20% funded. The recent floods and earthquake have shown that Haiti’s humanitarian needs remain considerable and will continue to grow as the hurricane season starts. Building on the work of ECOSOC Advisory Group on Haiti, ECOSOC will convene a special meeting to mobilize action and resources in support of food security in Haiti and to call on the international community to show solidarity with the Haitian people and contribute to the funding appeals.
WHO:
Opening will include:
· President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, H.E. Lachezara Stoeva
· Prime Minister of Saint-Vincent and the Grenadines and Chair of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), H.E. Ralph Gonsalves
· Prime Minister of Jamaica, H.E. Andrew Holness
· Minister of Planning and External Cooperation of Haiti, H.E. Ricard Pierre
· Chair of the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, H.E. Bob Rae
· Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Ms. Cindy H. McCain
· Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Catherine Russell
Followed by a roundtable:
· Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations, H.E. Claver Gatete (moderator)
· Vice Minister of Bilateral Affairs of the Dominican Republic, H.E. José Julio Gómez
· Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General and Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, Ms. Ulrika Richardson
· Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, OCHA
· Mr. Guangzhou Qu, Director, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office with the United Nations
· Ms. Patrizia Tumbarello, Mission Chief for Haiti, International Monetary Fund (IMF)
· Mr. Laurent Msellati, Country Manager for Haiti, World Bank Group
· Mr. William O’Neill, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti For a full programme, please visit http://bit.ly/HaitiFreeOfHunger
WEBCAST: The event will be streamed live on https://media.un.org
HASHTAG: #HaitiCantWait
ACCESS: The event is open to all UN accredited media.
MEDIA CONTACT: Paul Simon, Office for Intergovernmental Support and Coordination for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs E: simonp@un.org
T: +1 917 367 5027 | M: +1 347 267 5618
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
09 November 2022
Resources
27 September 2022
1 / 11