UN allocates $9 million in emergency aid to address humanitarian crises in Haiti

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The UN said Tuesday it will allocate $9 million to respond to "the serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation” in Haiti caused by gang violence.

The announcement was made by humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths who said, "The humanitarian situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, pushing people to the brink.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed in a visit to Jamaica on Monday, the need for the international community to support the Caribbean country that is plunged in economic, social and political crises.

“I made a proposal to the Security Council a few months ago that I can see that it would be necessary, in the context of the support, the equipment and training of the national police force, to be able to have the presence of an international robust police force to crack down on the gangs,” said Guterres.

During a news conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Guterres acknowledged that not enough help has been received from countries that said they were going to lead an international intervention force in Haiti.

“This has been a difficult exercise. It has been difficult to mobilize the will of those that would have the best capacity to lead this operation. And it has been difficult to create, also, the political conditions to make it easier for different countries to accept to be part of this action,” he said.

Guterres emphasized the importance of holding presidential elections in Haiti.

“We have a political problem -- the need to bring the different stakeholders together to find the political way for a legitimate government to be recognized by all,” he said. ​​​​​​​

Haiti’s last presidential elections were held in 2016 and the legitimacy of Prime Minister Ariel Henry is under question after President Jovenel Moïse was killed in July 2021. Since then, Henry came to power and has refused to hold elections.

“Haiti is in a tragic, tragic situation. You have dramatic humanitarian needs. You have a political system that is paralyzed, and you have levels of violence by gangs that are absolutely appalling,” said Guterres.

More than 600 people were killed last month across metropolitan Port-au-Prince due to escalating gang violence that has led to the death of hundreds and the displacement of thousands.​​​​​​​