Recent violent clashes in various parts of Haiti's capital have led to a dire humanitarian crisis, compelling over 3,000 individuals to flee their homes. This surge in violence has pushed these displaced individuals, including families and vulnerable populations, to seek shelter in improvised sites that expose them to heightened risks and dangers, Al Jazeera reported. On August 16, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has highlighted the severity of the situation, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to address the dire conditions and protect the affected communities.
“This situation is causing the displaced persons to leave the relative safety of these homes for improvised displacement sites where they are exposed to additional risks, including communal violence, sexual and gender-based violance, discrimination, and outright abuse,” IOM added.https://twitter.com/UNmigration/status/1691755038345978017
Roots of the crisis
Haiti's ongoing crisis is linked to increased gang violence, which intensified following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. The power vacuum left in the wake of Moise's death has further weakened the country's government system, making it difficult to curb the rampant violence. Healthcare facilities, schools, and clinics have been inaccessible due to the violence, contributing to a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Residents of gang-controlled areas struggle to access essential supplies, aggravating an already dire food security situation.
Political paralysis and impunity
Haiti's political landscape is marked by a complex deadlock and a lack of effective governance. The assassination of President Moise left Prime Minister Ariel Henry facing a crisis of legitimacy. Efforts to navigate a political transition and address the crisis have proven unsuccessful, as political paralysis and a dysfunctional judicial system have impeded progress. Human Rights Watch underscores the role of political deadlock and long-standing impunity for human rights abuses in worsening the security situation.
International response
In response to the intensifying violence, Prime Minister Ariel Henry had called for international assistance in establishing a specialised armed force to address the crisis. While some civil society leaders reject foreign intervention due to past experiences, Kenya has expressed readiness to lead a multinational force in Haiti to assist the police and restore normalcy, pending a mandate from the UN Security Council. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has presented various options to address the violence in Haiti, emphasising the need for targeted law enforcement measures to combat heavily armed gangs.
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