22-11-2024 | di COOPI

Statement by the Cadre de Liaison Inter-Organisations (CLIO) on the escalation of violence in Haiti, 20 November 2024.

COOPI, as a member of the Cadre de Liaison Inter-Organisations (CLIO), joins the appeal launched, stressing the urgency and need for coordinated and timely action to address the serious situation in Haiti. It is crucial, at this critical time, to work to ensure the protection of the population, respect for human rights and humanitarian standards.

The current context in Haiti is marked by violent clashes, with a steady increase in the number of civilian victims, a spike in gender-based violence, a reduction in livelihoods and limited functioning of vital basic services, including hospitals and schools. Urgent and significant action is needed to prevent further deterioration and rebuild the lives of the most vulnerable.
The number of civilian victims continues to rise and human rights violations are multiplying. Recently, attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel have increased. Kidnappings, sexual violence and looting are spreading and gaining ground. It is above all the most vulnerable Haitians - the displaced, children, girls, people with disabilities and women - who are bearing the heaviest burden.

There is an urgent need to protect the human, social, economic and cultural rights of the population by respecting international humanitarian law. Safe, immediate and unhindered access to affected populations is essential to address protection risks and meet the basic needs of those most at risk. 
The Haitian population is suffering from the combined consequences of unresolved issues such as violence, socio-economic inequalities and political crisis. Humanitarian assistance is essential to save and protect lives and livelihoods, and must be provided in the context of the whole process of human development. Without this support, the crisis will continue to deepen and sustainable recovery and stabilisation will be impossible.

The CLIO urges all key actors in Haiti, civil society, the international community, political, religious and community leaders to act swiftly to ensure the protection of the general population, respect for human rights and national and international humanitarian standards, the protection of humanitarian personnel and humanitarian access to basic service structures.
 
The Cadre de Liaison Inter-Organisations (CLIO) is a collaborative alliance of 50 national and international organisations working in Haiti. As a non-profit, apolitical and non-denominational entity, CLIO advocates solidarity, equity, transparency and efficiency in the management of resources. Rooted in autonomy, CLIO envisions an autonomous Haitian civil society, actively engaged in equitable and sustainable development alongside government and private actors. Website: www.cliohaiti.net