Haiti humanitarian crisis increases as thousands flee for safety

Between the 8-27th of March, the United Nations estimates that around 53,000 left the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. This migration was in response to the surge in gang violence that had overtaken the capital.

The recent rise in Haitian crime rates began at the end of February when Mr. Ariel Henry - Prime Minister of Haiti - went to Kenya to organise a multi-national military force on the Caribbean country.

In retaliation against the government, crime rates skyrocketed as a response to the Prime minister's decision. It has left the country with more issues as gangs unite and pose a danger to innocent citizens.

Photo credit to OPB

Those who fled the capital have taken refuge in the South, however, there are concerns as the area is still destructed by the 2021 earthquake that killed around 2,000 people.

According to the United Rights Office, ‘in just the three months of 2024 alone, up to March 22nd, 1,554 people were killed and 826 injured.’  This statistic includes the lives of many young children as they are separated from their families and killed in the ongoing crime rise.

The gangs are targeting businesses, healthcare services, the capital, schools, and pharmacies as they gain control of the country.

Following the assassination of Jovenel Moïse, Ariel Henry took over as Prime Minister in 2021. However, following the recent events, he abdicated on the 12th of March and was prevented from returning to the country due to risks to his life.

On the 12th of March, there was a debate in the Lord's Chamber where, Lord Cameron, The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Developmental Affairs, said: ‘The UK is concerned about the worsening violence in Haiti and the impacts on the neighbouring Turks and Caicos Islands. We remain committed to supporting a Haitian-led political solution.’

Speaking to the Executive Director for Haiti Air Ambulance, David Ellis said: ‘Haiti Air Ambulance (HAA) offers in-flight and on-ground triage and treatment for patients. The communications team assists in identifying suitable hospitals for specific conditions and manages the patient intake process. Moreover, HAA facilitates the transportation of numerous doctors to clinics and hospitals, enabling the treatment of thousands of patients nationwide.

He continued: ‘The organization also plays a vital role in distributing essential medical supplies to areas in need. Furthermore, HAA is dedicated to establishing long-term healthcare partnerships and infrastructure. Their primary goal is to enhance healthcare accessibility, provide medical supplies and equipment, offer healthcare job training, and promote community health education. By focusing on building a sustainable healthcare system and promoting self-sufficiency, HAA is positively impacting the healthcare landscape in Haiti.’

Many charities all over the world are working together to help the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Just a few of these include Christian Aid, Action Aid, Hope for Haiti, and many more. They all have the same goal of protecting the people of Haiti and changing their lives for the better.