Guns and Scalpels: The Devastating Reality of Haiti's Hospital Attacks

William O’Neill, reporting to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed the recent violence in Haiti, including an attack on the Bernard Mevs Hospital in Port-au-Prince on December 17 and the killing of several journalists and a police officer at the General Hospital on December 24. The victims were present for the hospital’s official reopening.

O’Neill noted that criminal gangs have been responsible for murdering and kidnapping healthcare professionals, including humanitarian workers. Many hospitals and clinics have been burned, looted, and destroyed, leading to a significant number closing or halting operations.

Currently, only 37% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are fully operational, and access to them is severely hampered by ongoing gang violence, putting millions of Haitians at risk. O’Neill highlighted the constant threat of attacks on healthcare facilities and mentioned that police may be implicated in the violence.

He expressed deep concern for the Haitian population, particularly for the hundreds of thousands of children living in precarious conditions, as their right to health is jeopardized amidst rising disease threats, such as cholera and tuberculosis.

The violent incidents on December 24 further illustrate the peril faced by journalists in Haiti, many of whom have been killed or have fled due to threats against their lives.

O’Neill appealed to the international community to assist Haitian authorities in tackling insecurity and ensuring access to healthcare services. He urged for thorough investigations into the attacks and the prosecution of those responsible, emphasizing the urgent need for support to restore health rights and safety in Haiti.

The attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Haiti can be attributed to several interrelated factors, primarily driven by the broader context of violence, instability, and socio-economic challenges facing the country. Here are some key reasons behind these attacks:

1. Gang Violence and Control

Power Struggles: Criminal gangs have become powerful actors in Haiti, often vying for control over territory, resources, and influence. Attacking hospitals can be a tactic to assert dominance or control over a particular area, especially as these institutions are critical for community trust and welfare.
Engagement in Organized Crime: Many gangs are involved in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and extortion. Healthcare facilities are sometimes targeted for robbery, especially when they contain valuable medical supplies or cash.

2. Weak State Institutions

Limited Law Enforcement: The Haitian National Police (HNP) has struggled with resource constraints and capacity issues, leading to inadequate protection for vulnerable institutions like hospitals. This weakness allows gangs to operate with relative impunity.
Corruption and Impunity: Corruption within law enforcement and local governance can exacerbate the problem, as some authorities may be in collusion with gangs or fail to respond adequately to reports of violence and crime.

3. Socio-Economic Factors

Poverty and Inequity: Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, with high levels of poverty and unemployment. Economic desperation can drive individuals to join gangs or resort to violence as a means of survival.
Lack of Access to Healthcare: The attack on hospitals is also a manifestation of the broader health crisis in Haiti. With many facilities closing or operating below capacity due to violence, gangs often exploit the resulting power vacuum to exert control and influence.

4. Political Instability

Recent Political Turmoil: Political instability, particularly following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, has contributed to increased violence. A lack of effective governance has left communities vulnerable and created an environment where gangs can flourish.
Absence of a Central Authority: With weakened state capacities, gangs have taken on roles typically filled by the state, further complicating the societal dynamics. Their actions can serve to challenge authority and contribute to an environment of fear and insecurity.

5. Violence Against Vulnerable Groups

Targeting Healthcare Workers: Attacks on hospitals often include targeting healthcare workers, which can be a deliberate strategy by gangs to intimidate communities and assert control. The resultant fear can prevent healthcare professionals from providing critical services.
Political Messaging: Gangs may use attacks on healthcare facilities as a means to send messages to the state and the population, demonstrating their willingness and capacity to engage in violence against institutions that are vital for public welfare.

6. Failure to Address Root Causes

Neglect of Societal Issues: A long history of neglect regarding basic needs, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities has fostered an environment conducive to violence. Without addressing these foundational issues, the cycle of violence is likely to continue.

The attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Haiti are symptomatic of a complex web of issues encompassing gang violence, weak state institutions, socio-economic hardship, and political instability. Addressing these root causes requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses security measures, socio-economic development, and a commitment to restoring effective governance and rule of law. Only through such comprehensive strategies can the cycle of violence be effectively broken, restoring safety and access to vital healthcare services for the Haitian population.

Addressing the escalating violence and insecurity in Haiti, particularly the attacks on healthcare facilities and the threats faced by healthcare workers and journalists, has become a critical issue for both national authorities and the international community. Here’s an overview of the measures taken thus far to address this pressing problem:

1. International Support and Assistance

United Nations Engagement: The United Nations has increased its engagement with Haitian authorities, aiming to bolster their capacity to maintain security and ensure basic rights. Human rights experts, including those from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), have been vocal about the need for urgent intervention to restore order and address human rights violations.
International Humanitarian Aid: Various international organizations and NGOs have mobilized resources to provide humanitarian assistance. Efforts have included food distributions, health services, and support for displaced individuals. This humanitarian response is aimed at alleviating immediate needs while longer-term solutions are sought.

2. Strengthening Law Enforcement

Capacity Building for Police: There have been calls for the international community to support the Haitian National Police (HNP) in its efforts to combat gang violence. This includes providing training, resources, and support for operations to restore law and order in affected areas.
Increased Security Presence: In response to the rise in violence, some police operations have been launched to reclaim control over areas dominated by gangs. This includes strategies for securing hospitals and other critical infrastructure to ensure that healthcare workers and patients can operate without fear.

3. Protection of Vulnerable Groups

Safety Measures for Healthcare Workers: Some healthcare facilities have implemented security protocols to protect healthcare workers. This includes the establishment of security escorts for medical professionals traveling to and from hospitals, particularly in areas with high gang activity.
Protection for Journalists: Initiatives to safeguard journalists have been proposed, such as creating hotlines for reporting threats and establishing safety networks. There have been calls for accountability and protection mechanisms to ensure that journalists can operate freely and without fear of violence.

4. Public Health Initiatives

Focus on Disease Control: Given the disruption to health services, national and international organizations have ramped up efforts to control the spread of diseases like cholera and tuberculosis. This includes vaccination campaigns and public health education to inform communities about preventive measures.
Collaborations with NGOs: Partnerships with non-governmental organizations are being encouraged to provide mobile healthcare services, particularly in areas where permanent facilities have been shut down due to violence.

5. Calls for International Intervention

Advocacy for Multilateral Missions: Human rights experts and advocates have called for a coordinated international response to stabilize the situation in Haiti. This could involve peacekeeping missions or a humanitarian intervention to protect civilians and restore safety.
Engagement with Regional Powers: Discussions with regional powers in the Caribbean and Latin America have been initiated to form a collective response to the crisis. This may include collaborative efforts to address gang violence and support the Haitian authorities in rebuilding their state apparatus.

6. Investigative Actions

Commitment to Accountability: Haitian officials and human rights advocates have called for robust investigations into the violence and attacks on healthcare facilities. This involves documenting human rights abuses and holding accountable those responsible for crimes against healthcare workers and facilities.

While measures have been initiated in response to the violence affecting healthcare and journalism in Haiti, challenges remain significant. The situation requires sustained international attention, collaborative security efforts, and a commitment to rebuilding Haiti’s social and health infrastructure. Only through comprehensive and coordinated actions can the cycle of violence be broken, and the fundamental rights of the Haitian people be restored.

#HaitiCrisis, #HealthcareInHaiti, #HaitiViolence, #HealthForAll, #StopTheViolence, #HaitiSolidarity, #CareInChaos, #GangsAndHealthcare,#HaitiHumanRights, #SupportHaiti, #SupportHaiti, #HaitiRebuild, #SaveHaitianLives, #HaitiPeace, #HealthcareWorkers

Suparna Rao, Staff Reporter