GIVE PEACE A FACE IN HAITI
The escalation of violence in Haiti continues, “with armed gangs committing murders and acts of sexual violence,” as the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson, told reporters at a virtual press conference from the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince. There are more than 5 million people who need assistance, just under half of the total population. The most critical need is food insecurity, with a significant increase in cases of malnutrition in the past year, especially among children and pregnant women. The issue of daily violence inflicted upon the civilian population is a major concern. In 2023, more than 8,400 people were reported killed, injured, or kidnapped, more than twice as many as in 2022. The gangs continue to fight for the territory and are estimated to control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince. Richardson said in her many years of working for the United Nations, “I’ve seen things here that I’ve never seen in my life, that go beyond the worst nightmare.” Richardson talks about the suffering and pain that men, women, and children are subjected to, referring to the 50% increase in sexual violence between 2022 and 2023 and 314,000 Haitians who left their homes to escape violence, many of whom now live on the street and in schools and need humanitarian aid.
"Children and pregnant women are the most affected by Haiti's current state. The lack of schooling for children for several months negatively impacts the country's development. Additionally, pregnant women face challenges in accessing hospitals, with many arriving in their final month of pregnancy without ever receiving medical attention. The health situation in general is catastrophic, with politicians failing to manage the situation in the neighborhoods they serve. Canals are no longer cleaned, and there are piles of garbage that have led to flooded homes and the return of the cholera epidemic." Flavia Maurello, AVSI Haiti Country Director
In Port-au-Prince, AVSI focuses its work in two poor communities, Cité Soleil and Martissant, where, thanks to the distance support project, over 1,000 children can go to school, eat, and have safe places where they can play and learn.
Help us stay close to Haitian children:
- $50: Your contribution will allow a child to participate in art therapy activities and receive a nutritious meal.
- $100: Your contribution will provide a child with therapy session, social and educational activities for a month.
- $150: Your contribution will provide a child with therapy session, social and educational activities, and receive nutritious food.