Secretary Blinken urges global support for Haiti amidst escalating crisis

Brazil.- Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, identified Haiti as one of the most pressing challenges facing the international community during his participation in the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Brazil. Blinken highlighted the alarming situation in Haiti, where over 1,100 people have been killed, injured, or kidnapped in January alone, with gangs controlling 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The Secretary of State pointed out that armed groups are resorting to sexual attacks and rape to terrorize the population. This violence has not only blocked trade and relief routes but has also led to the closure of schools. Criminal groups have disrupted access to essential resources like food, drinking water, healthcare, and electricity. Half of the country is struggling to secure even a single meal a day, and three million children urgently require humanitarian aid.

Blinken stressed the extension of the conflict to the agricultural areas of Haiti, posing a threat to the entire country’s food supply. The United States has been actively working to alleviate the situation by providing over $300 million for food, clean water, health services, and humanitarian aid in the past three years. Additionally, $189 million has been allocated since July 2021 to support the recruitment, training, and professionalization of the Haitian National Police.

The Secretary of State affirmed that the United States is imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on those who finance or facilitate violence. He fervently called on Prime Minister Henry and other key officials to unite for broad-based governance, emphasizing the need to restore order.

Blinken underscored that achieving long-term stability in Haiti requires not only the restoration of public security but also improvements in the political, economic, and social spheres. The United States continues to advocate for the restoration of democratic order through an inclusive political process in Haiti. Blinken urged the international community to contribute funding, personnel, equipment, logistics, and training to support this mission.