Haiti is desperate. According to the UN special envoy to Haiti, criminal gangs control 80% of the capital and are moving further and further into other parts of the country, leaving many people trapped in their homes with little means to feed their families, or forced to flee their homes with nothing. Scarcity of gasoline and water, and high prices of essential products are transforming an already distressed State into ashes.
In the absence of a functioning state, gangs terrorize the population with rape, kidnapping, and murder, all with impunity. Gangs are blocking commerce distribution routes and paralyzing the main port, leaving 1.4 million Haitians on the verge of famine, and more than 4 million in need of food aid, according to the UN’s World Food Program. Haiti needs humanitarian aid, and also intellectual contribution toward the establishment of working policies designed to strengthen its political weakness. It is urgent that the United States government take action to save lives in Haiti.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Quixote Center, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team, Mercy Focus on Haiti, and the Religious of Jesus and Mary have a presence in Haiti, working with rural farmers and cooperatives. We have witnessed the deteriorating situation in Haiti and cry out for mercy and justice!
In response to the growing violence, we ask lawmakers to:
- Support S396, the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, to identify and hold accountable those who are financing the gangs, especially those with assets in the US. A companion House bill has already passed.
- Stop the illegal flow of weapons from the U.S. to Haiti.
- Support HR 6618, the ARMAS Act, in the House, and introduce a companion bill in the Senate. HR 6618 would mandate a comprehensive federal strategy to disrupt arms trafficking, restore Congressional oversight over small arms exports, and prevent legitimate security assistance from being diverted to criminal groups.
- Provide sufficient resources and hold accountable U.S. agencies charged with enforcement, to prevent illegal arms trafficking out of Miami and New York.
- Do not waiver in ending U.S. support for de facto prime minister Ariel Henry. Henry remained in power due to U.S. government support, and widespread opposition to his government has contributed to the current crisis.
- Redesignate and extend TPS for Haitians. The existing TPS designation for Haiti is set to expire on August 4, 2024. Redesignation will allow protection against removal and eligibility for work authorization to all eligible Haitians currently in the United States.
- Stop all deportation flights and interceptions at sea. Despite extreme violence in Haiti, removals continue.
- Immediately increase humanitarian aid, and ensure consultation with impacted populations so that aid is directed toward the long-term sustainable development of the country. Include language that prioritizes Haitian diaspora organizations uniquely equipped to consult with local populations. The mission must prioritize a community development approach.
- Open a channel of communication and consultation on the future of Haiti where all affected groups, including gangs, elite, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and generation Z influencers, small holder farmers, and regular people can share their views on a sustainable socio-political framework.
- Any international police or military intervention should:
- Consult with Haitian civil society before deployment;
- Take measures to ensure human rights protections;
- Provide support and capacity-strengthening to the Haitian National Police;
- Articulate a clear mission to support a Haitian-led solution to restore democracy and ensure elections.
To send a letter to Congress and the White House making these points, click here.
Comments
Sister Julie Grote (not verified)
Haiti needs help from USA.
Sister Julie Grote (not verified)
Let's pray that they people get the help they need. Blessings
JL Angell (not verified)
In response to the growing violence in Haiti, I ask lawmakers to:
1. Support S396, the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, to identify and hold accountable those who are financing the gangs, especially those with assets in the US. A companion House bill has already passed.
3.Do not waiver in ending U.S. support for de facto prime minister Ariel Henry. Henry remained in power due to U.S. government support, and widespread opposition to his government has contributed to the current crisis.
4. Redesignate and extend TPS for Haitians. The existing TPS designation for Haiti is set to expire on August 4, 2024. Redesignation will allow protection against removal and eligibility for work authorization to all eligible Haitians currently in the United States.
5. Stop all deportation flights and interceptions at sea. Despite extreme violence in Haiti, removals continue, which violates both US and international laws.
6. Open a channel of communication and consultation on the future of Haiti where all affected groups, including gangs, elite, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and generation Z influencers, small holder farmers, and regular people can share their views on a sustainable socio-political framework.
7. Immediately increase humanitarian aid, and ensure consultation with impacted populations so that aid is directed toward the long-term sustainable development of the country. Include language that prioritizes Haitian diaspora organizations uniquely equipped to consult with local populations. The mission must prioritize a community development approach.
Donald Walsh (not verified)
Sister Julie Grote (not verified)
Cathy Wootan (not verified)
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. As the RICHEST country in the WH, we should be able to assist them,
B Soltis (not verified)
Please come to the Immediate Assistance of these desperate people!
Diane Dube (not verified)
Do not neglect the poor. Haiti needs our help.
Sr. Susan Javorek (not verified)
Please explore ways to help the innocent people of Haiti before it is too late - for them and for us!
Anna Marie Lesutis (not verified)
Respect Haiti and be the help they ask for.
Mary-Louise Mancini (not verified)
Please, please help our sisters and brothers who are in desperate need.
Stop the transference of US arms enabling those committing atrocities.
Rosemarie Sawdon (not verified)
Increase humanitarian aid and stop gun traffic. US has never supported Haiti as they should and when a President who works for the people is in power the US causes a coup. Haiti has been in crsis for a very long time. Once a beautiful resort island of wonderful people.
Sr. Amelia DeMa... (not verified)
Please work to stop the flow of arms to Haiti. They are being used by the gangs to terrorize innocent civilians. Please work to get food, medicine, and other items to the people, before they are intercepted by gangs. The Haitians are a beautiful people, trying to survive.
Florence Deaner (not verified)
The US must help Haiti help herself.
Joyce Frohn (not verified)
Haiti needs help.
Diane Clyne (not verified)
Sr. Mary Lou S (not verified)
Please, please help our sisters and brothers who are in desperate need.
Stop the transference of US arms enabling those committing atrocities.
Sister Rosemari... (not verified)
I tutor a Haitian student, who is a doctor, online. The situation is very dire and the people are suffering horribly. The Wi-Fi is very touchy due to the poor communications available in this war-torn country, the poorest in our area of the world. May God have mercy on them. This means that many people, especially Christians, should rise to the occasion to support these people in whatever way they can. We are to be the merciful face of God.