Crime
Haiti Humanitarian Coordinator Warns of Alarming Conditions in Gang-Ravaged Capital
"United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator warns of worsening conditions in gang-ravaged Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Urgent appeal for assistance amidst increasing violence, hunger, shortages in hospitals, and humanitarian crisis. Time-sensitive aid needed."
4 min read
Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, Ulrika Richardson, is warning that the situation in the gang-ravaged capital Port-au-Prince has gone from worrying to “extremely alarming” as conditions continue to worsen amid growing hunger and serious shortages in hospitals to treat gunshot victims.
“It’s important we don’t let the violence spill over from the capital into the country,” Richardson told reporters here via video link from Haiti.
She said orchestrated gang attacks on prisons, ports, hospitals and the palace have unfolded over the past weeks, but added that, in the past few days, these heavily armed groups have been advancing into new areas of the capital.
“There is human suffering at an alarming scale,” said Richardson, describing daily tension, sounds of gunshots and fear rising throughout the capital.
She said abhorrent human rights violations are ongoing, with more than 2 500 people killed, kidnapped or injured, stressing that sexual violence is rampant, with the use of torture and “collective rape” against women.
Richardson said a total of 5.5 million Haitians needed assistance, more than three million of them children and that food security remains a grave concern, with malnutrition being reported in a growing number of youngsters.
In addition, Richardson said 45 per cent of Haitians do not have access to clean water.
She warned that Haiti is “one step away from famine”, calling for urgent support for the humanitarian response plan, which requires US$674 million but is only six per cent funded.
With more funds, “we can do more” to help the people of Haiti, she said, stating that “time is running out”.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator said UN-backed flights to Haiti have brought some shipments of lifesaving supplies, including blood transfusion bags for hospitals treating growing numbers of gunshot victims.
But she said the airport is closed to commercial traffic, making it impossible to import essential goods, including medicines.
Richardson said the national port is operational, but accessing it is challenging, as the surrounding areas are controlled by gangs.
The UN health agency, World Health Organisation (WHO), reported that less than half of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are functioning at their normal capacity, stating that there is a pressing need for safe blood products, anesthetics and other essential medicines.
