Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has temporarily suspended its operations in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas in Haiti due to an increase in violence and threats from members of the Haitian police. The suspension was announced following a deadly attack on one of MSF’s ambulances, as well as multiple instances of the police stopping their vehicles and threatening their staff. The suspension is set to last until further notice.
MSF has been a crucial provider of free healthcare in Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake, operating important services such as a trauma center and a burn clinic. However, the recent escalation of threats and violence from the police has made it unsafe for their staff to continue their work in the country.
The organization cited four separate incidents of police threats and aggressions, including one where an armed plainclothes officer threatened to execute and burn staff, patients, and ambulances. MSF treats a significant number of patients each week, including outpatients, children in emergency situations, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
MSF has made it clear that they are committed to the population in Haiti but can only resume services once they receive guarantees of security and respect from armed groups, self-defense groups, and law enforcement. The decision to suspend operations comes as Haiti is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis, with most health facilities in the capital closed and an influx of displaced people putting pressure on remaining services. Additionally, residents have joined police in fighting off attempted attacks by armed gangs, further highlighting the volatile situation in the country.
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