The nationwide protests that were sparked initially by the nearly doubling of gasoline prices have brought the Caribbean nation to what The UN has described it as a “stalemate. “
Haiti is grappling with many crises of an economic, political, security and humanitarian nature.
The country’s President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated last July, and in August an earthquake caused widespread death and destruction across southern parts of the Caribbean island nation.
Violent gangs armed with serious weapons have occupied large swaths of the capital Port-au-Prince and regularly kidnap locals for ransom. According to the news reports, gunfire was heard throughout the city throughout the week.
Safety concerns
In a statement is issued on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, He. Dujarric, said the head of the United Nations is “is particularly concerned for the safety of all Haitians, including the most vulnerable, and appeals for maximum calm and restraint.
“He appealed to all stakeholders take immediate steps to de-escalate situation, avoid violence, and allow the Haitian National Police to perform its role to protect the people. ”
The UN chief also called on “all stakeholders to rise above their differences and join, without further delay, in a peaceful dialogue and inclusion on a constructive path forward“.
He warned that if the current situation continues, “the already dire humanitarian situation facing Haiti’s most vulnerable people will only get worse.”
UN photo / Sophia Paris
Much of the area around the city of Gonaives was submerged in floodwaters and covered in mud after Tropical Storm Jeanne tore through Haiti. (file)
UN warehouse looted
On Thursday, a warehouse used by the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in the Gonaives in the north of the country, was looted and then burned by rioters.
The national director of the emergency food aid agency, Jean-Martin Bauer, described the incident as “unacceptable. The Food robbery is intended to feed nearly 100,000 school children through the end of the year and provide emergency assistance to Haiti’s most vulnerable families.“, he said in a statement.
“WFP is here in Haiti to support vulnerable communities in urgent need, while enhancing local production and livelihoods through our long-term resilience initiatives. “
Staff standing ready
The UN says its staff and partners stand firm and stand ready to assist those in need across the country.
However, funding shortfalls and difficult aid logistics – including risks to supplies on the ground – mean that WFP said it could be difficult to deliver aid in the coming days. .
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Fiona has formed in the Caribbean and could affect Haiti on Monday.
