RAPHA HAITI UPDATE
CURRENT CRISIS IN HAITI AND RAPHA’S EFFORTS
THE ONGOING CRISIS
Haiti’s complex history of exploitation by outside forces has led to a state of constant unrest, violence, and systemic corruption. The collapse of Haiti’s government after the assassination of President Moïse in July 2021 plunged the country into a state of unprecedented chaos, leaving children and women even more vulnerable to violence and exploitation as internal criminal justice and social service systems are unable to operate effectively. Economic freefall and gang warfare have created an environment rampant with sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
A study conducted by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime in December 2022 revealed that gender-based violence, especially sexual violence, has escalated dramatically since the President’s assassination and the escalation of gang conflicts in 2022. Of the women who participated in the study, 80% had been victims of one or more forms of gender-based violence, significantly higher than the UN’s estimated world average of 33%. Of these women who had experienced GBV, 62% had experienced this in 2022 (GIATOC, 2022, p. 3). A study conducted in October 2022 by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights showed that much of this sexual violence is being perpetrated by the gangs to instill fear and assert power over communities. This recent data confirms the gravity of the deteriorating situation in Haiti and the increasingly unsafe conditions for its citizens. Dealing with an unprecedented number of sexual violence cases, Haiti lacks adequate capacity to respond to the psychosocial, physical, and security needs of survivors.
Rapha’s courageous staff members continue to navigate this dangerous and challenging situation in order to serve. Their dedication to coming alongside survivors in their community is an inspiration to all of us–the bravery, selflessness, and resiliency they demonstrate every day is incredible. Their faith sustains their energy and hopefulness as God watches over and protects them.
At this time, Rapha is not operating large-scale residential care in Haiti. It became clear as violence escalated that keeping survivors in large groups was unsafe. Right now in Haiti, the flexibility and agility to move quickly from place to place, often at a moment’s notice, is essential for safety. Because that is not the case for large groups of residential clients, it is more responsible and effective for Rapha to focus on community-based and outpatient programming in Haiti.
RAPHA’S COMMITMENT TO ADAPT AND SERVE
Rapha’s work in Haiti over the past few years has been transformed through the flexibility and innovation necessary to respond to this crisis. Focusing on the issue of gender based violence–which encompasses trafficking and sexual abuse–Rapha has implemented projects, in partnership with transnational organizations like UNICEF and UN Women, that assist women and girls in the recovery from and prevention of sexual violence. In 2023, more than 4,000 women, children, and men participated in various violence prevention efforts launched by Rapha as the political, security, and humanitarian crisis deepened. Despite security challenges and lack of access to communities most affected by the violence, Rapha provided holistic services to 160 survivors of sexual violence in 2023, which included access to mental health counseling, social work services, relocation from gang-affected areas, training on risk and violence mitigation, and support for income generating activities. In addition, 63 displaced female-headed families were relocated to safer, more stable housing after being displaced by gang warfare; 140 micro-enterprises were launched; and 580 displaced families received life-saving nutrition and hygiene kits. Over 3,000 young people, parents, service providers, and community leaders were engaged in Rapha-led training on abuse and violence prevention, community peace building, and risk mitigation.
Rapha’s courageous staff members continue to navigate this dangerous and challenging situation in order to serve. Their dedication to coming alongside survivors in their community is an inspiration to all of us–the bravery, selflessness, and resiliency they demonstrate every day is incredible. Their faith sustains their energy and hopefulness as God watches over and protects them.
At this time, Rapha is not operating large-scale residential care in Haiti. It became clear as violence escalated that keeping survivors in large groups was unsafe. Right now in Haiti, the flexibility and agility to move quickly from place to place, often at a moment’s notice, is essential for safety. Because that is not the case for large groups of residential clients, it is more responsible and effective for Rapha to focus on community-based and outpatient programming in Haiti.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please join us in prayer for Haiti and for everyone impacted by the crisis. Pray in particular for Rapha’s staff and the survivors they are serving–pray for their safety and pray for them to maintain hope in the midst of this terrible crisis. Click here to receive a copy of Rapha’s 30 Day Prayer Guide and join us in prayer for Rapha, our staff and girls, and an end to trafficking and abuse.
Rapha is still coming alongside survivors and vulnerable people to promote healing, safety, and hope in Haiti. Please join us in standing with and supporting women and children as they are coping with unimaginable trauma, abuse, and violence. Commit to a monthly gift that will go directly to Rapha’s efforts in Haiti–click here.
WHAT CAN I DO?
People often ask us, "What can I do to help?" Your life-changing contribution today can make an impact and come alongside a survivor in a tangible way each and every month.
