We, the Haitian Diaspora represented by the Federation of Haitian Protestant Churches Overseas (FEHAPCO), are writing to you urgently about the humanitarian crisis that is currently affecting our homeland, Haiti.  As concerned citizens, we cannot watch helplessly as our brothers and sisters endure terrible situations that are out of their control. The already fragile situation in Haiti has been made more dire by the recent political unrest, the murder of our country's president, Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, natural disasters, economic hardships, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leaving millions of people in need of aid immediately.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced on Tuesday March 12, 2024 that he plans to step down due to constant pressure and threats from various gangs in Haiti. As a result, political personalities throughout the country are vying for power.

An estimated 200 gangs operate in Haiti, most of which are centered in and around Port-au-Prince. In the capital alone, there are over twenty of these groups, grouped into two main coalitions: G-Pep, led by Gabriel Jean-Pierre, is allied with Johnson André, the leader of the 5 Seconds gang, popularly known as "Izo," and the G9 Family and Allies, led by Jimmy Chérizier, a former elite police officer nicknamed "Barbecue." 

Apart from man-made disasters, Haiti is still struggling to recover from the devastating 2010 earthquake that killed about 220,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless. Many of the impacted people live in flimsy, poorly built housing structures. Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes that followed have made it more difficult to rebuild infrastructure and promote a sense of unity among the country's citizens.

A striking 15,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Port-au-Prince in just one week, worsening the already serious displacement crisis in the area. The United Nations reports that about 160,000 people have left Port-au-Prince as a result of the violence that has been getting worse over the past few months.

 

The increasing level of violence in Haiti tremendously moves and impacts each of us individually. At this point, a significant number of Haitians live in constant fear and innocent lives are being lost on a daily basis. This lovely nation's misfortune is a global problem that needs to be addressed right away, not just locally.

 

The world's poorest nation, Haiti, is situated in the backyard of the wealthiest nation and has been recovering from the devastating 2010 earthquake. Now, it is facing another serious crisis that requires immediate attention and action. Widespread hunger, a lack of clean water, poor healthcare, and a sharp rise in crime and violence are the outcomes of the current state of affairs. Not to mention the fact that a great deal of people are hopeless and desperate as a result of their families being uprooted and their livelihoods being lost.

 

Due to rising political unrest and violence in Haiti, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 4.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance as of 2020. This figure indicates that almost half of the people in the nation live in constant danger. Armed factions are turning to more violence as elected officials become less and less accessible. Significantly, according to UN reports, these armed gangs and rebel forces have taken control of more than 80% of the capital city.

These groups, consisting of former law enforcement and paramilitaries masquerading themselves as community representatives, have been linked to an increase in rapes, murders, and kidnappings since Moïse's death. A UN report from January stated that over 8,400 people—a 122% increase from 2022—died, were hurt, or were kidnapped in 2023. 

Armed with demands for Henry's resignation, groups have attacked the Central Bank, the national soccer stadium, seaports, airports, and police stations. The crisis took a major turn earlier this month when raids on the nation's two main prisons led to the escape of about 4,000 prisoners. 

The government, already operating under tremendous strain, imposed a curfew at night and declared a 72-hour state of emergency. By then though, its control had already crumbled. With nearly 200,000 people internally displaced and living in terrible conditions, nearly half of Haiti's population is in critical need of humanitarian aid.

 

Historically, the US government has contributed significantly to regional stability. It's time to take action once more to stop this crisis from getting worse. We implore the US government to act immediately and work with the Haitian Diaspora, local authorities, and international organizations to develop practical plans that will put an end to the bloodshed, bring about peace, and rebuild communities.

It is essential that the international community, including your prestigious organization, and the Haitian diaspora intensify their efforts to deliver much-needed support and aid to the people of Haiti. As a result, we, the undersigned, humbly ask for the following:

 

Quick distribution of humanitarian supplies, such as food, clean water, medical equipment, and shelter, in order to lessen the suffering of those impacted by the situation.

Distribution of aid to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare personnel in order to fortify Haiti's healthcare system and guarantee that everyone has access to basic medical services.
 

Support for initiatives aiming at promoting long-term development in Haiti, generating sustainable livelihoods, and repairing and strengthening the nation's economy.

Assistance in addressing issues of violence, exploitation, and violations of human rights in order to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and displaced people.
 

Cooperation between local communities, civil society organizations, and Haitian authorities to guarantee that relief efforts are efficiently managed, sensitive to cultural differences, and receptive to the needs of the populace.

We can lessen the effects of the crisis, save lives, and support Haiti's recovery and resilience by giving it prompt and significant assistance. We implore you to act immediately to address this critical humanitarian situation since time is of the essence.

 

We are asking for your help in this petition to pressure our leaders to take immediate action on this critical issue that affects millions of lives. Sign this petition now, and together, let's push for peace in Haiti. We appreciate you taking the time to consider this, and we eagerly await your swift reply and practical steps to help the Haitian people.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bishop Philius Nicolas, President

Federation of Haitian Protestant Churches Overseas (FEHAPCO)

 

Co-signed by,

Pastor Daniel Pelissier

Vice-President & General Director

Federation of Haitian Protestant Churches Overseas (FEHAPCO)

 

&

Pastor Marc Timothe Pierre

Director of Communication

Federation of Haitian Protestant Churches Overseas (FEHAPCO)