The world must pay attention to the current situation in Haiti. Haiti is afflicted with violence and an undeveloped economy, with most of its difficulties stemming from opposition to its government. Challenges are caused by those who oppose the president, which contributes to one of the several problems the nation already faces. In addition to the government, the economy and the instability of the political powers are major obstacles for Haiti. These issues influence the fundamental necessities of the Haitian people, which must be satisfied. In addition, Haiti suffers major human rights issues, police deaths, and a disproportionate and needless police force. The jail system in Haiti is chronically overcrowded. Individuals are subjected to life-threatening jail circumstances. It is considered that corruption and external influence are more prevalent in Haiti’s courts. Poor education and child enslavement continue to be significant causes for worry. Haiti’s failure to advance with the rest of the world and to abandon all forms of slavery retards the country’s economic development.
The COVID-19 outbreak and accompanying economic crisis, the death of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, and the August 2021 earthquake of high magnitude worsened Haiti’s pre-existing problems of political instability and violence by gangs that are often affiliated with governmental entities. Haiti has battled persistently to address the fundamental needs of its people and to tackle long-standing human rights issues.
Since the 2018 government announcement that gasoline subsidies will be eliminated, significant social unrest has paralyzed Haiti. Following the Petrocaribe Accord, Venezuela gave Haiti around $4.3 billion worth of inexpensive oil from 2008 to 2017 (Cole & Ives). Forty percent of the money owed to Venezuela by Haiti was repayable for 25 years at an annual interest rate of one percent (Cole & Ives). The fund was intended to finance hospitals, clinics, schools, roads, and other humanitarian initiatives, and it assisted in stabilizing the Haitian government (Cole & Ives). However, sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Venezuela and financial mismanagement by the Haitian government caused the Haitian central bank to cease payments to Venezuela in early 2018, thereby terminating the Petrocaribe pact (Cole & Ives). An inquiry by the Haitian Senate revealed that the fund’s almost $2 billion had been substantially mismanaged, embezzled, and stolen between 2011 and 2016, particularly under the leadership of Haitian President Michel Martelly (Cole & Ives). This instilled deep distrust among citizens in the local government and essentially broke the nation into civil unrest.
In 2019, demonstrations increased in response to allegations of misappropriation of infrastructure and healthcare money by the previous three regimes. At this time, US mercenaries were imprisoned in the nation and identified as undertaking a covert operation on behalf of the Moïse to accompany a person who was supposed to retrieve $80 million in embezzled money (Cole & Ives). However, protests against Moïse’s administration and his planned constitutional referendum escalated again in 2021 (Ryan, 2021). Until, the president’s assassination to which, Columbian mercenaries with US military training were found accountable (Ryan, 2021). These events continued civil unrest with impunity of gang and police brutality.
Haiti needs a stronger government to enforce and halt all of the criminal human rights laws that are being breached in order for the country to make progress. Despite this, Haiti continues to contend with the consequences of natural catastrophes. Urgent action is required to support the country’s population and halt the growing instability. Human rights are not safeguarded in Haiti, and no one can defend the inhabitants from the gangs. As a result, Haitians are suffering severely. It is a matter of life and death for millions of people, necessitating action from the United Nations organization.
Works Cited
Cole, Matthew, and Kim Ives. “U.S. Mercenaries Arrested in Haiti Were Part of a Half-Baked Scheme to Move $80 Million for Embattled President.” The Intercept, The Intercept, Web.
Devereaux, Ryan. “Colombian Mercenaries and the Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.” The Intercept, The Intercept, Web.