A Call for the US to change its Policy toward Haiti
A Call for the US to change its Policy toward Haiti
The Issue
Summary
[Please Note: By reading this summary alone, you will grasp the fundamental purpose of the petition.]
This petition is addressed to US Congresspersons and Senators in the form of requests for a change in the US government's policy towards Haiti. It highlights the dire situation in the country where gangs have been terrorizing the population for over 18 months leading to the collapse of the most basic services, the further destruction of what remained to an economy already in disarray and the disintegration of the society itself.
The petition suggests that considering the historical relationship between Haiti and the US, Haiti’s contributions to the US independence war, the US prior history of interference into Haiti’s affairs, the US can not at this time choose not to be more fully engaged to help the Haitian people.
The petition further suggests that the US could provide on-the-ground advisors, experts, special gear and weapons, and intelligence-gathering equipment to the Haitian National Police. It also urges, in accord with international laws and the full respect of Haiti’s Sovereignty, for the deployment for a short period of time of a specialized commando-type force to help the Haitian Government and the HNP restaure security, law and order.
The petition calls as well for the inclusion of reputable representatives of civil society in a new national consensus government.
This government would work towards combating insecurity, restoring law and order, fighting corruption, and preparing for new free and fair elections.
Petition:
Dear Congresspersons/Senators,
As constituents of your district, we would like to draw your attention to the considerable number of Haitian-Americans and legal alien residents of Haitian descent who reside in this community.
Our community members play a crucial role in the fabric of American society, contributing not just to its cultural and economic aspects but also more and more to its political landscape.
We are writing to inquire why the US is not doing more to help Haiti, a country that supported us during our independence war and the acquisition of Louisiana. Haiti has been plagued by ferocious gangs that have been killing, kidnapping, ransoming, and raping people for more than 18 months now.
Despite being located just a short 1.5-hour flight away from Miami, the situation in Haiti has not been making headlines in the evening news of major TV networks. However, the reality on the ground is catastrophic and has been deteriorating for months. A quick Google search will reveal that almost daily, new articles are being published describing the horrific ordeals being inflicted on the defenseless population by gangs using machine guns and other weapons procured from the US and smuggled into Haiti. It is heartbreaking to see the people of Haiti suffer in such a way, and it is essential that we do not turn a blind eye to their plight. It is high time that the US starts providing better, more efficient, more resolved and quicker assistance to the people of Haiti in their time of need.
Haitian Americans are integral to the fabric of American society and have made significant contributions at the highest levels. For example, the current president of Harvard University and Rice University, as well as the president of the American Association of Medical Surgeons, are of Haitian descent. Additionally, a Haitian-American, is the current press secretary for the White House and dozens of Haitian-Americans are now elected officials in the US.
To help Haiti, the US could provide a more significant help to the Haitian National Police in the form of on-the-ground advisors, experts in combating terror groups and in urban guerrilla-type warfare, special gear and weapons for nighttime guerrilla warfare, and intelligence-gathering equipment such as drones.
The US could also supply weapons to the HNP that have at least the same caliber and range as those used by the gangs.
Whilst for instance the delayed delivery of 7 transportation armored vehicles from a Canadian company does not contribute to help with the situation, it is not the only factor contributing to the inadequate response to the issue of insecurity in Haiti. We fully acknowledge that we are not police or military experts, but it seems that in addition to more armored vehicles, other weapons and resources would also be necessary to make a significant impact on the control and resolution of the problem.
Moreover, we believe that providing immediate assistance to Haiti is of paramount importance given the severity of the crisis and the risks faced by the population. While strengthening the National Haitian Police is essential for a long-term solution, we urge the consideration of additional measures to address the urgent and immediate threat posed by the gangs. In this regard, we strongly suggest that it is the time now for the immediate deployment for a short period of time of a specialized commando-type force capable of helping the HNP restaure law and order. This will help in providing great relief to the population and to level the field some for the National police.
This can be done in a manner consistent with international law, respecting the sovereignty and independence of Haiti, and under a clear and specific mandate for this small and specialized force.
We hope that such measures can be taken in the spirit of providing assistance to a neighboring country in need, with a view to contributing to the safety and well-being of the Haitian people
The US could also follow more in the steps of Canada and continue to apply sanctions against corrupt politicians, private oligarchs, and members of the police force as per the US-sponsored resolution voted 5 months ago at the UN.
These sanctions should be made public and should actually result not only in the temporary revocation of visas but as well in assets being seized and bank accounts frozen.
While the Biden parole program is a good humanitarian initiative, it also contributes to further weakening the fabric of society in Haiti since the country is loosing many of its only remaining young professionals. Even police officers are using this program to flee the country.
Therefore, it is crucial to implement efforts to help restore security and law and order in Haiti quickly. In this regards, the US could also fully support a country like El Salvador, which has strong experience fighting gangs and has offered to help Haiti.
Furthermore, we strongly believe that the US should use its leverage to request that the current prime minister in Haiti agrees to the inclusion of reputable and known representatives of the civil society fighting for real change in a new national consensus government, even if this should result in the choice of a new prime minister. The main mandate of this new national consensus government would be to combat insecurity, restore law and order, reign in corruptions and prepare new free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as the situation on the ground permits.
The Haitian people deserve a government that represents their interests and is committed to making a positive difference in their lives. As a leading nation in the world, the US has a responsibility to support and empower the people of Haiti in achieving their aspirations for a better future.
Respected Congresspersons and Senators,
We kindly request your full attention to the critical situation that our Haitian fellows are facing. We highly appreciates your support in our efforts to aid and uplift the Haitian people during these trying times.
With utmost sincerity, we urge you to take into consideration the recommendations and requests mentioned in this correspondence. As representatives of the people, we are confident that you will take the lead in requesting the US government to implement these essential measures.
We believe that your leadership in this matter will be instrumental in providing critical assistance and relief to the affected individuals and families in Haiti. We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of all citizens and your dedication to humanitarian causes.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Respectfully and sincerely
Community of concerned Haitian-Americans, legal aliens residents of Haitian descent and US Citizens.
https://www.laprensalatina.com/wave-of-urban-violence-displacing-thousands-in-haiti/amp/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134097
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/haitis-heavy-historical-legacy
1,276
The Issue
Summary
[Please Note: By reading this summary alone, you will grasp the fundamental purpose of the petition.]
This petition is addressed to US Congresspersons and Senators in the form of requests for a change in the US government's policy towards Haiti. It highlights the dire situation in the country where gangs have been terrorizing the population for over 18 months leading to the collapse of the most basic services, the further destruction of what remained to an economy already in disarray and the disintegration of the society itself.
The petition suggests that considering the historical relationship between Haiti and the US, Haiti’s contributions to the US independence war, the US prior history of interference into Haiti’s affairs, the US can not at this time choose not to be more fully engaged to help the Haitian people.
The petition further suggests that the US could provide on-the-ground advisors, experts, special gear and weapons, and intelligence-gathering equipment to the Haitian National Police. It also urges, in accord with international laws and the full respect of Haiti’s Sovereignty, for the deployment for a short period of time of a specialized commando-type force to help the Haitian Government and the HNP restaure security, law and order.
The petition calls as well for the inclusion of reputable representatives of civil society in a new national consensus government.
This government would work towards combating insecurity, restoring law and order, fighting corruption, and preparing for new free and fair elections.
Petition:
Dear Congresspersons/Senators,
As constituents of your district, we would like to draw your attention to the considerable number of Haitian-Americans and legal alien residents of Haitian descent who reside in this community.
Our community members play a crucial role in the fabric of American society, contributing not just to its cultural and economic aspects but also more and more to its political landscape.
We are writing to inquire why the US is not doing more to help Haiti, a country that supported us during our independence war and the acquisition of Louisiana. Haiti has been plagued by ferocious gangs that have been killing, kidnapping, ransoming, and raping people for more than 18 months now.
Despite being located just a short 1.5-hour flight away from Miami, the situation in Haiti has not been making headlines in the evening news of major TV networks. However, the reality on the ground is catastrophic and has been deteriorating for months. A quick Google search will reveal that almost daily, new articles are being published describing the horrific ordeals being inflicted on the defenseless population by gangs using machine guns and other weapons procured from the US and smuggled into Haiti. It is heartbreaking to see the people of Haiti suffer in such a way, and it is essential that we do not turn a blind eye to their plight. It is high time that the US starts providing better, more efficient, more resolved and quicker assistance to the people of Haiti in their time of need.
Haitian Americans are integral to the fabric of American society and have made significant contributions at the highest levels. For example, the current president of Harvard University and Rice University, as well as the president of the American Association of Medical Surgeons, are of Haitian descent. Additionally, a Haitian-American, is the current press secretary for the White House and dozens of Haitian-Americans are now elected officials in the US.
To help Haiti, the US could provide a more significant help to the Haitian National Police in the form of on-the-ground advisors, experts in combating terror groups and in urban guerrilla-type warfare, special gear and weapons for nighttime guerrilla warfare, and intelligence-gathering equipment such as drones.
The US could also supply weapons to the HNP that have at least the same caliber and range as those used by the gangs.
Whilst for instance the delayed delivery of 7 transportation armored vehicles from a Canadian company does not contribute to help with the situation, it is not the only factor contributing to the inadequate response to the issue of insecurity in Haiti. We fully acknowledge that we are not police or military experts, but it seems that in addition to more armored vehicles, other weapons and resources would also be necessary to make a significant impact on the control and resolution of the problem.
Moreover, we believe that providing immediate assistance to Haiti is of paramount importance given the severity of the crisis and the risks faced by the population. While strengthening the National Haitian Police is essential for a long-term solution, we urge the consideration of additional measures to address the urgent and immediate threat posed by the gangs. In this regard, we strongly suggest that it is the time now for the immediate deployment for a short period of time of a specialized commando-type force capable of helping the HNP restaure law and order. This will help in providing great relief to the population and to level the field some for the National police.
This can be done in a manner consistent with international law, respecting the sovereignty and independence of Haiti, and under a clear and specific mandate for this small and specialized force.
We hope that such measures can be taken in the spirit of providing assistance to a neighboring country in need, with a view to contributing to the safety and well-being of the Haitian people
The US could also follow more in the steps of Canada and continue to apply sanctions against corrupt politicians, private oligarchs, and members of the police force as per the US-sponsored resolution voted 5 months ago at the UN.
These sanctions should be made public and should actually result not only in the temporary revocation of visas but as well in assets being seized and bank accounts frozen.
While the Biden parole program is a good humanitarian initiative, it also contributes to further weakening the fabric of society in Haiti since the country is loosing many of its only remaining young professionals. Even police officers are using this program to flee the country.
Therefore, it is crucial to implement efforts to help restore security and law and order in Haiti quickly. In this regards, the US could also fully support a country like El Salvador, which has strong experience fighting gangs and has offered to help Haiti.
Furthermore, we strongly believe that the US should use its leverage to request that the current prime minister in Haiti agrees to the inclusion of reputable and known representatives of the civil society fighting for real change in a new national consensus government, even if this should result in the choice of a new prime minister. The main mandate of this new national consensus government would be to combat insecurity, restore law and order, reign in corruptions and prepare new free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections as soon as the situation on the ground permits.
The Haitian people deserve a government that represents their interests and is committed to making a positive difference in their lives. As a leading nation in the world, the US has a responsibility to support and empower the people of Haiti in achieving their aspirations for a better future.
Respected Congresspersons and Senators,
We kindly request your full attention to the critical situation that our Haitian fellows are facing. We highly appreciates your support in our efforts to aid and uplift the Haitian people during these trying times.
With utmost sincerity, we urge you to take into consideration the recommendations and requests mentioned in this correspondence. As representatives of the people, we are confident that you will take the lead in requesting the US government to implement these essential measures.
We believe that your leadership in this matter will be instrumental in providing critical assistance and relief to the affected individuals and families in Haiti. We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of all citizens and your dedication to humanitarian causes.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Respectfully and sincerely
Community of concerned Haitian-Americans, legal aliens residents of Haitian descent and US Citizens.
https://www.laprensalatina.com/wave-of-urban-violence-displacing-thousands-in-haiti/amp/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134097
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/haitis-heavy-historical-legacy
1,276
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Petition created on March 11, 2023