A Reported Humanitarian Crisis Occurring In Haiti

Early in October, thousands of Haitians were calling for a massive protest. This massive protest was a result of weeks of anti-government gatherings that occurred. Thousands of Haitians made their way to the capital in order to demand that the President of Haiti, President Jovenel Moise step down.

The protesters have been documented all through 2019 since they started as early as February. Many protesters in Haiti, have been recorded burning car tires and coming to blows with the police in Port-au-Prince. that a Haitian senator even opened fire during a series of chaotic scenes outside the Parliament building. Outside the Parliament building, a journalist was shot and severely injured during these violent protests. HF junior, Victoria Bell, she said, “The outcome of these protests can cause severe damage at the rate they are going.” 

As reported by the United Nations, humanitarian efforts have been greatly impacted by the protests. These protests have affected their access to medical care, fuel shortages, and an extreme lack of safe water. Junior, Ellie Lockwood said, “It’s crazy all the damage that corruption can lead to.” 

These protests are even affecting schools. Schools have been closed for weeks, which has left approximately 2 million children and young adults without any access to education. 

Haitians have been calling for several months for President Jovenel Moise to resign, due to an abundance of built-up complaints and corruption taking place. The president is remaining strong amid these protests and has refused to resign in many video clips that have been taken. However, Moise has only made a few appearances during these uncontrollable protests. 

As reported by CNN, the President’s administration has donated food and school supplies at a local event that has taken place. HF junior, Allison Brown, said, “The corruption that is occurring in Haiti will not do any good for their people in the long run and ultimately only have negative effects.” 

The United Nations has asked all parties to remain civil and against any violence. While hard to admit, many protesters have died within these months. Many protesters have been opening fire on civilians leading to chaos. Due to these protests,  there has been an abundance of casualties in clashes. These protests will continue until the people of Haiti get what they want or the President resigns. Evidently, until the corruption ends in this nation the people won’t give up their fight.