People affected by gang wars in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, have been describing to the UN how their lives have been violently changed, with one person saying he feels that he has lost his identity and “no longer amounts to anything”.
He and others spoke to Eline Joseph, who works for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Port-au-Prince with a team which provides psychosocial support to people who have fled their homes because of the violence and insecurity.
She spoke to UN News about her working life and supporting her family.
“I have to say it has become more difficult to do my job as I am unable to move about freely and provide care to displaced people, especially those who are located in red zones, which are too dangerous to visit.
© UNOCHA/Giles Clarke
Daily life continues on the streets of Port au Prince, despite the insecurity.
The insecurity in Haiti is unprecedented – extreme violence, attacks by armed gangs, kidnappings. Nobody is safe. Everyone is at risk of becoming a victim. The situation can change from minute to minute, so we have to remain vigilant at all times.
Loss of identity
Recently, I met a community of farmers who were forced, due to gang activity, to leave their very fertile land on the hills outside Petionville [a neighbourhood in the southeast of Port-au-Prince] where they grew vegetables.
One of the leaders told me how they have lost their way of life, how they could no longer breath the fresh mountain air and live off the fruits of their labour. They are now living in a site for displaced people with people they do not know, with little access to water and proper sanitation and the same food every day.
He told me that he is not the person that he once was, that he has lost his identity, which he said was all he possessed in the world. He said he no longer amounts to anything.
I have heard some desperate stories from men who have been forced to witness the rape of their wives and daughters, some of whom were infected with HIV. These men could do nothing to protect their families, and many feel responsible for what happened. One man said that he felt worthless and was having suicidal thoughts.
© UNOCHA/Giles Clarke
Workers from a local UN NGO partner, UCCEDH, assess the needs of displaced people in downtown Port-au-Prince.
I have listened to children who wait for their fathers to come home, dreading that they may have been shot dead.
Psychological support
Working on the IOM team, we provide the psychological first-aid for people in distress, including one-to-one and group sessions. We also make sure they are in a safe place.
We offer relaxation sessions and recreational activities to help people unwind. Our approach is people-centred. We take into account their experience and introduce elements of Haitian culture, including proverbs and dances.
I have also organized counselling for older people. One woman came up to me after a session to thank me, saying that this was the first time she had been given the opportunity to put into words the pain and suffering she was experiencing.
Family life
I also have to think of my own family. I am forced to raise my children within the four walls of my home. I can’t even take them out for a walk, just to breathe fresh air.
When I have to leave the house for shopping or work, my five-year-old daughter looks me in the eyes and makes me promise that I will return home safe and sound. This makes me very sad.
My 10-year-old son told me one day, that if the president, who was murdered in his home, is not safe, then no-one is. And when he says that and tells me that he has heard that the bodies of murdered people are being left on the streets, I don’t really have an answer for him.
At home, we try and have a normal life. My children practice their musical instruments. Sometimes we will have a picnic on the veranda or have a movie or karaoke night.
With all my heart, I dream that Haiti will once again be a safe and stable country. I dream that displaced people can return to their homes. I dream that farmers can return to their fields.”
Garrett is a skilled author driven by a desire to illuminate global issues through his writing. With a foundation in journalism and international relations, he offers a distinctive viewpoint in his work, exploring the complexities of geopolitical events in depth.
When reading about the displaced in Haiti, it’s heartbreaking to see how they feel that they no longer amount to anything. The violence and insecurity have truly shaken their lives and sense of self.
She no longer amounts to anything. The insecurity in Haiti is unprecedented – extreme violence, attacks by armed gangs, kidnappings. Nobody is safe. Everyone is at risk of becoming a victim. The situation can change from minute to minute, so we have to remain vigilant at all times.
As a displaced person myself, I can relate to the feeling of losing one’s identity in such traumatic circumstances. It’s heartbreaking to hear that people in Haiti are going through the same struggle, feeling like they no longer amount to anything. The situation in Port-au-Prince is truly dire, and my heart goes out to those affected by the violence and chaos.
As a journalist covering such heartbreaking stories, it’s vital to shed light on the real impact of violence and displacement. The person’s sentiment of feeling like they no longer amount to anything is truly heart-wrenching. The international community must do more to support and protect these vulnerable individuals in crisis situations like this.
Does the article mention any specific initiatives or programs aimed at helping those who have lost their identity in Haiti?
Hi SarahJones, the article does not specifically mention initiatives or programs aimed at helping those who have lost their identity in Haiti. However, it highlights the challenging conditions and the urgent need for support in the face of unprecedented insecurity and violence. The situation in Haiti requires immediate attention and comprehensive efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the crisis.
She feels that she has lost her identity and “no longer amounts to anything”. The insecurity in Haiti is unprecedented – extreme violence, attacks by armed gangs, kidnappings. Nobody is safe. Everyone is at risk of becoming a victim.
The situation in Haiti is truly heartbreaking. People’s lives have been devastated by the extreme violence and insecurity. It’s unimaginable to feel like you have lost your identity and no longer mean anything. My heart goes out to all those who are suffering in such dangerous conditions.
She feels devastated and alone, thinking that she is no longer valued or respected. It’s heartbreaking to hear someone express such profound despair and hopelessness.
As a journalist, this is truly heartbreaking to read. The voices of the displaced in Haiti are powerful and must be heard. The situation there is dire and urgent action is needed to protect these vulnerable individuals.
Has the UN provided any specific assistance or initiatives to help those who have lost their sense of identity and feel they no longer amount to anything in Haiti?
She feels that she has lost her identity and “no longer amounts to anything.” The situation in Haiti is heartbreaking, and it’s crucial to provide support to those affected by the violence and insecurity.