Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has announced the suspension of its operations in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas due to escalating violence and threats from the Haitian police. Since a deadly attack on one of its ambulances, MSF has reported multiple incidents of police stopping their vehicles and threatening their staff with death and rape.
MSF, a provider of quality free healthcare in Haiti, operates key services like a trauma center and burn clinic. With only 24% of health facilities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area remaining open, the suspension of MSF’s projects could further limit access to essential care for the population. The organization cited four instances of police threats and aggressions, including a plain clothes officer threatening to execute and burn staff, patients, and ambulances.
MSF treats a significant number of outpatients, children in emergency situations, sexual and gender-based violence survivors, and burn victims each week. The organization is committed to the Haitian population but will only resume services when guarantees of security and respect are provided by armed groups, self-defense groups, and law enforcement.
The suspension of MSF’s operations comes amidst reports of civilian vigilante groups fighting against armed gangs in Port-au-Prince. These groups have reportedly managed to repel attacks from suspected gang members, resulting in the deaths of over two dozen individuals. This resurgence of violence adds to the already worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
