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Statement

Standing behind communities, to do more and better together

Les ingénieurs en Eau du CICR et de la Croix-Rouge Haitienne visitent une borne fontaine

Port-au-Prince, 8 May – On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the Haitian National Red Cross Society, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) paid tribute to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff, who stand “On the side of humanity”, working every day on behalf of those in need of protection, health care and social welfare in Haiti and around the world.

In an increasingly polarized and complex world, where more and more people struggle to meet their basic needs, this shared commitment to humanity is more than just a guiding principle – it is a lifeline. This is particularly true in Haiti, which is facing several crises, compounded by poverty, armed violence and limited access to essential services.

 

In the past year, the humanitarian situation reached a grim milestone, with more than a million people forced to flee their homes in Port-au-Prince in search of safety. In some areas, people have been completely cut off – no one enters or leaves – and the schools, pharmacies and medical facilities have been looted, burned or destroyed.

 

The volunteers and staff of the Haitian National Red Cross Society continue to stand on the side of humanity, providing a host of services related to health, water, sanitation and hygiene. This solidarity helps maintain people’s dignity.

Guëtson Lamour President of the Haitian National Red Cross Society

In Haiti, thousands of people’s lives were suddenly shattered by the armed violence which, exacerbated by epidemics, poverty and shrinking international aid, left them struggling or unable to access essentials like health care, food, water and electricity.

This humanitarian crisis is complex; it’s very difficult to gain access to those in need and ensure that people receive the protection and respect they are entitled to. The violence and armed clashes in several areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince, continue to force people from their homes, women and children included. Many people have been wounded or killed or have had to leave everything behind – including their dreams. We must step up our efforts and reaffirm our shared commitment to prove to them that they have not been forgotten and we are still there for them.

Marisela Silva Chau Head of the ICRC’s delegation in Haiti

Haiti is currently contending with an outbreak of violence, but it is also one of the countries that is most vulnerable to natural disasters, like earthquakes and hurricanes. As the situation in the country deteriorates, the potential consequences of a natural disaster become even more severe.

 

In periods of crisis and uncertainty, we remain on the side of humanity, bringing hope, aid and solidarity to those in need. In Haiti, this isn’t just an objective – it’s an imperative. We remain dedicated to providing the right humanitarian services at the right time to the communities of today and tomorrow. We must ensure that people affected by violence or natural disaster receive the protection and assistance they need. We therefore call on everyone to take the side of humanity, and of Haiti.

Elias Ghanem Head of the IFRC’s delegation for Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic

To provide this support, the volunteers and all the staff of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement must be able go wherever needed to reach people and carry out their work, including in the areas most affected by armed violence. Their neutral and impartial approach must be recognized by everyone involved.

 

As the humanitarian situation grows in intensity and complexity, the Movement reaffirms that it stands behind the Haitian people. It calls for respect for the red cross emblem and humanitarian principles and for protection of humanitarian workers and of personnel and facilities involved in providing medical care. Access to essential goods and services should be guaranteed at all times and in all circumstances, without discrimination or restrictions.

For more information, please contact:

Jean Jacob Charles, Haitian National Red Cross Society, tel: +509 48 68 99 30

Paulin Bashengezi, ICRC’s delegation in Haiti, tel: +509 34 30 31 20

Susana Arroyo, IFRC Americas Regional Office, tel: +507 69 99 31 99