Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced on Tuesday that it will be halting its operations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and the surrounding metropolitan area due to escalating violence and threats from members of the Haitian police. This decision comes after a deadly attack on one of MSF’s ambulances, with police subsequently stopping vehicles and threatening staff with death and rape.
MSF, which has been providing critical healthcare services in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake, cited multiple incidents of police threats and aggression, including threats to execute and burn staff, patients, and ambulances. The suspension of operations will be in effect until further notice, pending guarantees of security and respect from armed groups, self-defense groups, and law enforcement.
The United Nations has reported that only 24% of health facilities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area remain open, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Haiti. MSF treats a significant number of patients each week, including outpatients, children in emergency situations, sexual and gender-based violence survivors, and burn victims.
Meanwhile, Haitian police, along with civilian vigilante groups, have been engaged in clashes with suspected gang members in an effort to combat the armed gangs that control much of the capital. This situation underscores the complex and dangerous environment in which MSF operates, leading to the decision to temporarily suspend operations.
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