Since President Jovenel Moïse's killing nearly three years ago, Haiti has been on a downward spiral. The lack of elections since 2017 has left the country without a legitimate government, its security apparatus stretched thin, and its people suffering a severe hunger and health crisis. Last week's increase in violence, which included a terrifying attack on the capital's main jails and a siege of the country's airport, indicates a worsening of the country's emergency—an urgent plea for global attention and action.
At AfroResistance, our hearts are heavy with the distress engulfing Haiti. We are alarmed not only by the immediate humanitarian crisis but also by the worsening of human rights abuses amidst this turmoil, particularly against women and girls. History has shown the brutal reality of armed conflicts and societal chaos, where sexual violence emerges as a horrific weapon of war and subjugation. We are also concerned about the longer-term implications of the approved international responses.
Last year, The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution to authorize intervention in Haiti by sending multinational forces led by Kenya and financed with voluntary contributions, for which the United States pledged $100 million; for us at AfroResistance, such a resolution is deeply troubling. While cloaked in the promise of restoring order, such actions perilously edge toward military occupation, threatening the very sovereignty of Haiti—a prospect we at Afroresistance, and indeed all who champion human rights and dignity, cannot condone.
The fabric of Haitian society, built through centuries of resistance and resilience, now lingers
on the brink of further unraveling. Yet, the solution does not lie in the barrel of a gun or the boots of foreign soldiers on Haitian soil. The history of foreign interventions in Haiti and elsewhere leaves a legacy of fragmentation and vulnerability behind, not peace and prosperity.
Haiti needs a comprehensive, sustainable approach to the historical root causes that have led to this current situation.. This includes tackling socioeconomic disparities, revitalizing education and healthcare systems, improving agricultural and infrastructural development, and creating opportunities for meaningful employment. Such holistic and inclusive strategies must be guided and designed by the Haitian people, only laying the foundations for a stable, prosperous Haiti.
Our collective call to action
The road to recovery and stability in Haiti is challenging but possible. It requires a concerted, global effort grounded in the principles of human rights, respect for national sovereignty, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the Haitian people. As defenders of human rights, our responsibility extends beyond mere observation. Let us stand together in solidarity with Haiti, advocating for a future where peace, justice, prosperity, equity, and joy are within reach for all its citizens.
We urgently call for an international response to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Haiti, including food, clean water, medical supplies, and healthcare professionals. Such aid must be delivered with the utmost respect for the Haitian people's dignity and sovereignty, and it must be coordinated closely with local, respected organizations and community leaders to ensure it reaches those most in need efficiently and effectively.
The international community must prioritize Haitian-led solutions, supporting local leaders and community-based organizations to rebuild the nation. External support should empower, not override, local voices and initiatives.
We urge a collective stand against any form of military intervention in Haiti, advocating instead for a surge in humanitarian assistance that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of the Haitian people. This support should be devoid of any political or military agenda, focusing solely on alleviating the immediate suffering and building the foundation for long-term recovery.
Special attention and protections must be afforded to Women and Girls who have been and continue to be disproportionately affected by the crisis, interventions and militarization of Haiti. Initiatives to combat gender-based violence, support survivors, and ensure their participation in Haiti's recovery and decision-making processes are crucial.
Any international aid must be re-envisioned to support Haiti's long-term sustainability and should be directed towards initiatives that build resilience, bolster the economy, and address the systemic inequities that have been imposed on the nation.
We call on civil society, governments, and international bodies to join a global solidarity movement for Haiti. This involves not just financial support but a commitment to standing with Haiti in its quest for justice, stability, and dignity.
In solidarity,
Afroresistance
#SupportForHaiti, #NoToMilitaryIntervention, #SovereigntyOfHaiti, #LocalSupportForHaiti, #PeaceForHaiti, #JusticeForHaiti, #SolidarityWithHaiti, #ProtectHaitianRights