December 23, 2024
Amid the worsening crisis of internally displaced persons in Port-au-Prince, where more than 20,000 people have fled their homes in just a few days, the Haitian government has announced a series of emergency measures to aid vulnerable populations. In a statement issued on November 25, 2024, it was noted that nearly 700,000 individuals are now affected by this phenomenon, according to UNICEF estimates. Among the planned actions, hot meal distributions will specifically target displaced individuals in the hardest-hit areas.
With support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this initiative will be implemented by the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (SAF) in partnership with the Civil Protection Directorate (CPD) and the World Food Programme (WFP). Approximately 23,000 people are expected to benefit from the operation, which will span 14 days and focus on four strategic sites within the capital. Authorities emphasized that this program aims to address the immediate needs of affected families, particularly those in the Solino neighborhood, providing them with relief amid rising insecurity.
Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé reaffirmed his commitment to alleviating the suffering of displaced persons, stressing the importance of a swift and tangible response. He also expressed the government’s gratitude to international partners, including the IDB and WFP, for their critical support during these challenging times. This collaboration highlights international solidarity in the face of a crisis that exceeds national capacities and requires close coordination among various stakeholders.
Despite these efforts, many voices among the displaced remind officials that restoring security in their original neighborhoods remains the top priority. For families forced to live in makeshift camps, insecurity remains the primary cause of their hardship, and they call for more targeted actions to create conditions favorable for their return. These criticisms underscore the need for a comprehensive approach that combines humanitarian aid with sustainable solutions to curb the chronic instability affecting the region.