Addressing the Crisis of Gender-Based Violence in Haiti

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti is exacerbated by escalating gang violence.
Over 700,000 individuals are currently internally displaced, with many being children.
Gender-based violence has surged, with over 54,000 cases reported in 2024.
The international response to the crisis has been insufficient and underfunded.
A cholera epidemic and climate shocks further complicate the humanitarian situation.
Urgent and comprehensive action is needed to address both immediate needs and root causes.

Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti

Haiti faces a worsening humanitarian crisis as gang violence rises, especially in Port-au-Prince. Violence has led to widespread displacement, increased gender-based violence, and strained vital services. The crisis is severe, with over 700,000 people displaced and half of them being children. These people struggle with food scarcity, limited healthcare, and poor shelter.

Frequent climate disasters like droughts and hurricanes worsen the crisis. These disasters overwhelm Haiti’s weak infrastructure and threaten many lives. Additionally, a cholera outbreak that started in October 2022 worsens the health situation. Other diseases like dengue, tuberculosis, measles, and polio also pose threats.

The Scourge of Gender-Based Violence

A frightening part of this crisis is the rapid rise in gender-based violence. From January to October 2024, over 54,000 cases emerged, though the actual numbers may be higher. The lack of law and order empowers criminals to commit sexual violence without fear. Alarmingly, cases involving child victims increased by 1000 percent in one year.

Survivors face many challenges such as physical injuries, mental trauma, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. Haiti’s abortion ban increases unsafe procedures, raising maternal mortality rates. The absence of medical and support services for victims heightens their suffering and slows recovery.

International Response and the Call for Action

Help is needed from the global community to address Haiti’s crisis. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requested $674 million but received less than a quarter by July 2024. This huge shortfall limits the ability of aid groups to help those in distress.

The Haitian government asked for peacekeeping support, seeing the need for better international security aid. However, the global reaction has been slow and lacking. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned on November 20, 2024, about worsening unrest in the capital. His warning calls for quick and effective action.

Timeline of a Nation in Crisis

The Haitian crisis has been building up over time. Here’s a timeline of key events:

• October 2022: Cholera returns to Haiti.
• June 2024: Displacement rises by 22 percent in three months.
• July 2024: The Humanitarian Plan for Haiti falls short of funds.
• November 11, 2024: Violence worsens amid the humanitarian crisis.
• November 20, 2024: UN issues a serious warning about safety.
• November 24, 2024: MSS partners with Haitian Police against gangs.
• November 25, 2024: UN orders evacuation over safety concerns.

This timeline shows a growing crisis with not enough global help to control violence and need.

Understanding Gang Violence in Haiti

Gang violence in Haiti involves armed groups that control significant areas, especially in Port-au-Prince. These gangs have emerged due to historical political instability and the absence of strong government institutions. Over time, they have grown in power, engaging in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, and human trafficking (IPS News).

The origins of these gangs can be traced back to the Tonton Macoutes during the Duvalier regimes. Later, under various administrations, new gangs formed to consolidate power and control. Today, they operate like mafias, influencing elections, suppressing opposition, and securing business deals through bribery and violence. Consequently, their influence has expanded, with estimates suggesting that they control large parts of the capital (IPS News).

Gender-Based Violence in Haitian Society

Gender-based violence in Haiti includes various forms of abuse directed mainly against women and girls. The culture within some gangs contributes to this violence, promoting toxic masculinity and misogyny. Sadly, the increase in gang control has led to a significant rise in sexual violence cases (IPS News).

The protection of individuals accused of such crimes has aggravated the situation. For instance, during certain administrations, politicians accused of abuse were shielded from consequences. Moreover, some cultural elements have glorified “legal bandit” behavior, highlighting deep-rooted issues within society (IPS News).

The Spread and Impact of Cholera

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by contaminated food or water. It spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. In Haiti, the cholera epidemic resurged in October 2022, worsening the health crisis caused by gang violence and displacement (IPS News).

International Response and Urgent Needs

The international response to Haiti’s crisis involves several countries and organizations. The United Nations has authorized a multinational security mission to address gang violence, with support from the United States, Canada, Kenya, and Jamaica (IPS News).

Humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide food, water, and medical services. Financial assistance is also crucial to rebuild infrastructure and support the government. Without immediate intervention, the situation may worsen, leading to increased suffering and instability (IPS News).

Addressing the Root Causes

The roots of Haiti’s crisis lie in historical, political, and economic challenges. Decades of political instability, economic struggles, and natural disasters have weakened government institutions. This has allowed gangs to fill the power vacuum and gain control (IPS News).

To resolve the crisis, it is essential to tackle these underlying issues. Strengthening governance, improving the economy, and rebuilding infrastructure are vital steps. Moreover, supporting the Haitian National Police can help restore security and order (IPS News).

If urgent action is not taken, the humanitarian crisis will likely escalate. More people may face hunger, violence, and disease. The international community must act now to prevent further suffering and help Haiti move toward a stable future (IPS News).

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action

Haiti’s situation calls for swift and thorough action from the world. The rising violence and mass displacement create immense human suffering. Funding for help efforts must increase significantly and solid security aid is crucial to calm the situation.

The global community cannot watch Haiti fall deeper into chaos. Half-measures and unkept promises are not the answer anymore. A united global effort is needed to address direct needs and the crisis’s root causes. These involve tackling poverty, bolstering governance, and providing ongoing support for infrastructure.

Haitians have faced unbearable hardships. It is everyone’s duty to ensure they are not forgotten and take real action to ease their suffering and support a better future.

FAQ

Q: What is causing the humanitarian crisis in Haiti?
A: The crisis is primarily fueled by escalating gang violence, leading to widespread displacement, increased gender-based violence, and a severe strain on essential services. Recurrent climate shocks and a cholera epidemic also contribute significantly to the deteriorating situation.

Q: How many people have been displaced in Haiti?
A: Over 700,000 individuals have been internally displaced in Haiti, with half of them being children, facing dire conditions including food insecurity and limited access to healthcare and education.

Q: What is the current state of gender-based violence in Haiti?
A: From January to October 2024, more than 54,000 cases of gender-based violence were reported, with a 1000% increase in sexual violence involving children. Many survivors face significant health and psychological challenges.

Q: What kind of international response is happening?
A: The international community has been urged to enhance efforts, but as of July 2024, only a quarter of the $674 million needed for humanitarian assistance has been funded. The Haitian government has requested robust international security support, which has been slow.

Q: What are the calls to action regarding Haiti’s crisis?
A: There is an urgent need for increased humanitarian funding and international security support, alongside long-term solutions addressing systemic poverty and governance to stabilize and rebuild the nation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.