UN: Haiti faces a 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid rampant violence

By James Blears

Calls are increasing for the resignation of Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henri, as the country descends into law and disorder chaos. 

The true depth of Haiti's disaster has been starkly brought into focus by UN Envoy to Haiti, Helen La Lime.

Things went from bad to worse after the Haitian government ended fuel subsidies on 11 September. This was the last straw for the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Gasoline and diesel prices rocketed and produced a collapsing domino effect for the rest of the economy.

Food shortages, shops and businesses closed and public transportation no longer exists in towns and cities which are plagued by organized crime.

Gangs and starvation

Helen La Lime advised the UN Security Council that gangs warring amongst themselves have attacked and looted warehouses stealing food intended for almost a quarter of a million of Haiti's most vulnerable population, which faces starvation.

As things stand right now, almost 40 percent of Haitians depend upon food donated by the international community. 

Gang violence is endemic, especially in the Capital Port Au Prince and major cities.

But Haitian Authorities are somehow claiming law and order is under control, while appealing for substantial funding to combat crime. In reality, the precarious balance was shattered by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

The Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is building a border wall to isolate itself from a nation in anguish, which is crying out for help from the rest of the world.