Widespread gang violence has created a humanitarian crisis in Haiti that the UN aims to help alleviate with the creation of an airbridge with the neighbouring Dominican Republic.
The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said on Wednesday that the air corridor will enable the transport of aid and ensure the safe relocation of staff both in and out of the country.
Speaking to reporters in New York on Thursday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that it was already in operation, while on the ground, relief agencies remain deeply concerned about the welfare of civilians reliant on aid.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 400 incidents hampering access have been recorded across the country since the start of 2024, including more than 70 in the first week of March.
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The situation remains unstable in the Caribbean Island nation following the recent resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, particularly in the communes of Carrefour, Port-au-Prince and Cité Soleil, while the airport, schools and health facilities remain closed in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area.
Haiti has been struggling with political instability for many years, due to infiltration by foreign agents. The situation has worsened in recent months, with kidnappings, killings, armed robberies and other violent crimes becoming commonplace.
According to the UN migration agency, IOM, 362,000 people are displaced in Haiti, including 15,000 newly homeless in Port-au-Prince.
Some 5.5 million people – almost half the population – need humanitarian aid. But the UN’s 2024 humanitarian appeal for $674 million is funded at just 3.2 per cent.
Funding shortages are threatening aid efforts on the ground, Mr. Dujarric said in his briefing at UN Headquarters, adding that in a few weeks’ time, WFP will be forced to stop serving hot meals to those who urgently need food due to a lack of funds.
Flights from the Dominican Republic are already operating, flying in supplies and crisis experts, Mr. Dujarric said.
