Quixote Center Opposes Armed Intervention in Haiti: Peace Must be Led by the People of Haiti
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 18th, 2022
Contact: Alexandra Gulden | alexandra@quixote.org
Washington DC—The security crisis in Port-au-Prince continues to deteriorate. In July alone, nearly 500 people were killed when rival gangs warred in Cite Soleil. Armed groups control transportation routes into and out of the capital, extorting and kidnapping travelers.
Calls for armed intervention have ramped up in recent months; however it is the international community's disregard for democratic principles that has led to the current crisis.
“The Quixote Center opposes any kind of foreign military intervention in Haiti,” said Executive Director Dr. Kim Lamberty. “Past military interventions have been disastrous, and have led to gross human rights violations. Rather than military intervention, the international community could support Haitian civil society-led dialogue, and cease to grant unquestioning support to the current interim government authorities.”
“A Haitian-led solution is the only pathway to stability and peace. Over the last two years, Haitian civil society organizations have been engaged in extensive dialogue about governance to build a more democratic future. If the international community is to take action, it must end its support for Prime Minister Henry so that dialogue can take place, listen to peace-makers in impacted communities, curb illegal weapons trafficking into the country, and address the structural issues of extreme poverty and lack of employment that drive violence.”
See the Quixote Center's complete statement here.
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The Quixote Center empowers vulnerable families and communities to become the artisans of their own destiny through transforming oppressive systems and structures. Inspired by liberation theology and Catholic Social Teaching, we do this through sustainable development, advocacy, economic justice, environmental, and educational initiatives. Our current focus is on Nicaragua and Haiti, where we support programs to empower impoverished families and communities, and support for migrants in Mexico and Central America, where we work to mitigate the damage of US immigration policies. Quixote Center has been working with partners in Haiti since 1999.