Reflecting the strong people-to-people relations between our nations, the United States is dedicated to assisting Haiti in becoming a safer, more stable, and democratic nation.
Haiti is currently facing a very difficult period in its history because President Jovenel Mose was assassinated in July 2021. The nation’s security has dramatically deteriorated since early September 2022, paralysing it.
For two months, Varreux, the nation’s primary fuel terminal, and the Port International of Port-au-Prince were taken over by criminal gangs, many of whom were supported by corrupt governmental or economic actors. Critical services including electricity, health centres, rubbish collection, water distribution, and sanitation have all come to a virtual halt as a result of the gasoline terminal’s obstruction.
Due to Haiti’s extraordinary susceptibility to natural shocks, an already dire condition is made even worse. The achievements of international diplomatic and relief efforts have been uneven, and their effects have been scrutinised and contested.
Gender-based violence (GBV) and extreme gender inequality pose a threat to the country’s stability, and women and girls are disproportionately affected by the country’s climate change, violence, lack of a strong legal system, and food insecurity.
The urgent need for a long-term strategy to support and integrate U.S. diplomacy, development, and security-sector engagement in Haiti is made even more urgent by the fact that the country’s security situation is still seriously deteriorating.
This strategy offers a framework and a step-by-step approach for American initiatives, which can be expanded and implemented in the right order depending on the political and security climate of the nation.
Via an embassy-led interagency process, this strategy was created. The plan was shaped by in-depth discussions with more than 230 people who represented the Haitian government and civil society.
As well as the private sector, academia, the Haitian diaspora, experts, and practitioners.
It was also influenced by broader U.S. interagency policy discussions on Haiti that outlined a long-term strategic vision for Global Fragility Act (GFA) efforts in the country.
As a result of achieving this goal, government institutions will be better equipped to meet the basic requirements of the population and will also gain the people of Haiti’s trust, enabling them to take part in civic and political activities.