The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti is concerned by the upsurge in acts of violence targeting medical personnel and facilities in Haiti

(Port-au-Prince, 8 July 2023) The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti strongly condemns the violence against medical staff and facilities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and the rest of the country. The incursion by armed men into the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital in Tabarre on the night of 6 to 7 July is one of the most recent examples of these attacks.

"The work of health staff is an example of the daily involvement of many local and international structures alongside Haitians to ensure their access to health and other basic services", said Humanitarian Coordinator Ulrika Richardson. "Attacks on health staff are jeopardising the operation of these facilities, which are often forced to close, depriving the most vulnerable of vital care", she added.

The Humanitarian Coordinator recalls that the work of all humanitarian actors in Haiti is in strict compliance with the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. The humanitarian community call on all stakeholders to immediately cease all forms of violence against the population and humanitarian infrastructures and to respect the neutrality of health facilities and their staff.

The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to support the Haitian people and the national authorities in their efforts to guarantee Haitians' fundamental right to health.

For further information, please contact
Abdoulaye Sawadogo, Head of OCHA in Haiti, sawadogoa@un.org
Elsa Bedouk, Communications Officer, elsa.bedouk@un.org
OCHA press releases are available here: www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int