Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti and Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) warns about the crisis raging in Cité Soleil.

The security and humanitarian situation in many areas of Cité Soleil, with several hundred thousand inhabitants, has become alarming, with women and children particularly vulnerable to gang brutality.

Between April 14 and 19, 2023, clashes between rival gangs led to the death of nearly 70 people in the population, including 18 women and 2 minors. About forty were injured by bullets or stabbing, including 12 women.

These clashes, which deprive the population of their freedom of movement and access to essential goods and services, have led to the closure of many schools, health centers and businesses in the area "The fighting is raging in Cité Soleil. The situation in Brooklyn is dire, the besieged population can no longer leave their homes for fear of gun violence and gang terror," said Ulrika Richardson.

In addition to armed violence, the population of Cité Soleil suffers from high levels of food insecurity and is one of the epicenters of the latest cholera outbreak.

Torrential rains in recent weeks have worsened sanitary conditions. Cité Soleil is flooded with waste from the capital. As a result, garbage completely blocks access to Brooklyn. No vehicle, including tankers, can access it, a situation conducive to a resurgence of the cholera epidemic and the spread of other epidemics.

Ulrika Richardson reiterates the imperative for the unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance to those in need, as well as the protection and respect of health, education, humanitarian and critical personnel and infrastructure, including for the water supply.

SL/ HaitiLibre