Caribbean
Unrest in Haiti: “Our Work is Becoming More Challenging, but We Remain on the Ground”
For immediate release:
Port-au-Prince. In the wake of the resignation of Haiti’s interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, violence in Haiti has intensified. Gangs have largely seized power in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are engaging in acts of rape, kidnapping, murder, and terror against the populace. Numerous diplomats have departed the country, including the German ambassador. According to the United Nations, approximately 362,000 people are internally displaced within Haiti.
“Our work is becoming increasingly challenging every day, but we at Malteser International are committed to staying on the ground and supporting the people,” says Yolette Etienne, Partner and Program Coordinator of Malteser International in Port-au-Prince. “Those fleeing violence are now residing on the streets of Port-au-Prince with their children. There is no safe haven for them within the city as the streets are controlled by gangs. Providing aid to the people is becoming progressively more difficult due to unsafe transportation routes and the soaring prices of fuel, medicines, and basic needs over the past few months. Consequently, we are finding it increasingly difficult to provide malnourished children with supplementary food using the funds available. This often leaves me feeling helpless. However, I am Haitian. I reside here, and I, together with my colleagues and thanks to the trust of so many, am determined to continue standing by my compatriots. I also hope for the solidarity of people worldwide, so that they do not abandon us amidst this chaos.”
Malteser International has been active in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010. Initially focusing on emergency aid and reconstruction support, the current emphasis of our work is on providing nutritional assistance to malnourished children and pregnant women; as well as ensuring long-term food security and creating income-generating opportunities, particularly for women.
More information can also be found in the latest episode of the Malteser International America podcast “Voices from Haiti”
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Listen to the full interview with Yolette here.
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Malteser International Americas (MI Americas) is an affiliate of Malteser International (MI) and is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Since 1956, we have provided relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 35 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin, or political convictions. In the Americas, MI Americas is currently implementing projects in the fields of Health, Relief, Reconstruction & Rehabilitation; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Sustainable Livelihoods, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaption in Colombia, Haiti, Peru, Mexico, and the USA. Further information: www.orderofmaltarelief.org
Attention editors:
Yolette Etienne (English-speaking) Partner and Program Coordinator of Malteser International in Port-au-Prince is available for interviews and sound bites.
Contact / Operator: Ximena Greenhouse, Communications and Marketing Manager Malteser International Americas
