The Zanmi Timoun Foundation launches an appeal for solidarity to help the displaced people of Solino, particularly children, fleeing the violence of the Bel-Air armed group

Fleeing the terror of armed gangs is becoming a sad routine in Haiti, particularly in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. In fact, for around six months, the repeated attacks by armed men from Bel-Air against the population of Solino and other neighboring neighborhoods (Delmas 18, Delmas 24, Fort National, Carrefour Péan, etc.) have been intensified and have plunged these areas into an unprecedented cycle of violence. While the delayed response of the Haitian National Police (PNH) seems to be ineffective in the face of the fury of these outlaws.

As a result, these residents are in dire straits. Weak and out of breath, they had no choice but to flee their homes en masse under the crackle of automatic weapons to take refuge in churches, schools and public squares. Among the hundreds of displaced people caused by the latest offensive by the Bel-Air armed group, there are children and pregnant women, who constitute two of the most vulnerable categories.

Left to their own devices, these people are vulnerable, in particular children and women who are dramatically exposed to all forms of violence, namely abuse and sexual exploitation. Faced with this degrading situation, the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation calls on all sectors of society such as civil society organizations, United Nations agencies and public authorities to provide their support and solidarity to the displaced people of the district of Solino, Delmas 24 and Fort National who are fleeing the violence of the Bel-Air group.

Witness to the regrettable situation of these displaced people, the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation, an organization promoting and defending children’s rights, considers that it is wise for urgent measures to be taken to protect this population, particularly children. . Because child protection concerns all Haitians without distinction of class. This is why the “Zanmi Timoun” Foundation is calling on everyone to help them. This call mainly concerns public authorities who must guarantee the safety of the population.

Done in Port-au-Prince, September 14, 2023

Manoach PRESNA
Program Manager
Tel: 509 3746 7196/3396 1778