Latest news with #JovenelMoïse
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
UN: Violence against children in conflict reached 'unprecedented levels' in 2024, with Gaza worst
The U.N. kept Israeli forces on its blacklist of countries that violate children's rights for a second year, citing 7,188 verified grave violations by its military, including the killing of 1,259 Palestinian children and injury to 941 others in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported much higher figures, but the U.N. has strict criteria and said its process of verification is ongoing. Guterres said he is 'appalled by the intensity of grave violations against children in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel,' and 'deeply alarmed' by the increase in violations, especially the high number of children killed by Israeli forces. He reiterated his calls on Israel to abide by international law requiring special protections for children, protection for schools and hospitals, and compliance with the requirement that attacks distinguish between combatants and civilians and avoid excessive harm to civilians. The U.N. also kept Hamas, whose surprise Oct. 7, 2023, attack in southern Israel sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad on the blacklist. Israel's U.N. Mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In Congo, the U.N. reported 4,043 verified grave violations against 3,418 children last year. In Somalia, it reported 2,568 violations against 1,992 children. In Nigeria, 2,436 grave violations were reported against 1,037 children. And in Haiti, the U.N. reported 2,269 verified grave violations against 1,373 children. In the ongoing war following Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations kept the Russian armed forces and affiliated armed groups on its blacklist for a third year. The secretary-general expressed deep concern at 'the sharp increase in grave violations against children in Ukraine' — 1,914 against 673 children. He expressed alarm at the violations by Russian forces and their affiliates, singling out their verified killing of 94 Ukrainian children, injury to 577 others, and 559 attacks on schools and 303 on hospitals. In Haiti, the U.N. put a gang, the Viv Ansanm coalition, on the blacklist for the first time. Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. They are now estimated to control 85% of the capital and have moved into surrounding areas. In May, the U.S. designated the powerful coalition representing more than a dozen gangs, whose name means 'Living Together,' as a foreign terrorist organization. Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep 'alarm' at the surge in violations, especially incidents of gang recruitment and use, sexual violence, abduction and denial of humanitarian aid.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Haiti's presidential council is dysfunctional, says member as time in office runs out
Ideally, Haitians should be preparing to head to the polls to elect a new president —their first since the brazen assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his bedroom nearly four years ago. But eight months before the volatile Caribbean nation is supposed to see the February 7, 2026 swearing-in of a new head of state and a new Parliament, elections not only remain elusive amid ongoing attacks by armed gangs, but the political transition process itself in disarray. In a letter shared with the Miami Herald, one of the two members of the nine-member Presidential Transitional Council tasked with governing the country alongside the prime minister, is sounding the alarm over what he describes as the panel's dysfunction more than a year after it came into power with the help of the United States and the 15-member Caribbean Community known as CARICOM. 'The Presidential Transitional Council has been blocked due to internal struggles among the voting members, publicly accusing each other, while approximately eight months remain in the [council's] mandate,' presidential adviser Frinel Joseph said in the letter. 'The council must therefore rise above internal divisions and focus on fulfilling its mission as defined by the April 3 agreement, which will expire on February 7, 2026.' Joseph was named to the body by the civil society sector and sits as one of its two non-voting members. He's tasked, along with its only female representative, with observing the decisions of the council, which was put in place in March of 2024 in a deal brokered with the help of the U.S. and CARICOM after they forced then-Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign as the country's most powerful armed gangs joined forces and sought to topple what was left of the government. The panel was hailed as representing a broad consensus among Haiti's political sectors and civil society. But soon after their installation, they became embroiled in scandal as the very groups that named representatives began to distance themselves from their own appointees and the council. Joseph notes in his letter that he has 'sounded the alarm on several points' that would have allowed the council to move faster, but all his concerns had been cast aside, including those about a bank bribery scandal that continues to dog council members and has undermined the panel's credibility while deepening the political crisis. Soon after assuming office, three of the council's voting members —Louis Gérald Gilles, Smith Augustin and Emmanuel Vertilaire —were accused of asking the now former chairman, Raoul Pierre-Louis, of the National Bank of Credit, BNC, for 100 million gourdes or the equivalent of $758,000 in order to keep his job. Haiti's anti-corruption unit investigated and later said there was probable cause for a criminal investigation. The three members have all maintained their innocence and refused to step down. But in an act of compromise both Gilles and Augustin gave up their chance to serve as president as part of a rotating leadership agreement. That rotation has since become a source of consternation with each individual next in line, wondering if his predecessor will step aside. Joseph notes that after the corruption allegations came to light, he suggested that a code of ethics be developed in order 'to promote better functioning of the Council.' 'Unfortunately, it was not adopted,' he said. Joseph also notes allegations circulating on social networks and in local press reports about the exorbitant amount council members are being paid, along with their wives. According to a report by the National Human Rights Defense Network, each presidential adviser costs the poverty-stricken nation's taxpayers the equivalent of $76,438,924 each month, including salary, fuel allowances, food, phone cards and other expenses. Joseph says the amount is 'inaccurate' though he doesn't say just how much he and the others are paid to lead the transition. He also said he asked the council to address the allegations publicly but they refused. Joseph, who hasn't spoken out until now, said he had kept quiet so as to avoid fueling suspicions of discord within the council. But 'until now we continue to be dragged down because of it.' On-going debate over council The fate of Haiti's Presidential Transitional Council is a matter of ongoing debate both inside the country and in the international community believe the council's time is running out and acknowledge the transition's failure in carrying out its fundamental missions: restoring security and welcoming the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission; staging a referendum on a new or revised Constitution; and holding elections to put a legitimate government in office by Feb. 7. 2026. Yet, despite the broad consensus, there is still no agreement about the council's fate— even as that of the Kenya mission also remains unknown. Haitians continue to be displaced by heavily-armed gangs who are extending their reach beyond the capital, which is mostly under their control. More than 2,600 have been killed in gang-related violence already this year, the United Nations recently said, and the number of people displaced has reached a new record 1.3 million and nearly half of the country's estimated 12 million face hunger or starvation. Meanwhile, the council hasn't met as a body in more than two months and for weeks, members have been taking swipes at one another as the rift between them lead to finger pointing and accusations. Among them: some members have bloated the foreign diplomacy by naming hundreds of individuals to posts at embassies and consulates. In an interview with Le Nouvelliste, the country's oldest daily, council President Fritz Alphonse Jean denounced the appointments and blamed them on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whose new minister was appointed after Jean and others ousted Prime Minister Garry Conille and most of his ministers in November. Council member Augustin, in a subsequent interview with the newspaper, accused Jean and council ally and former head of the body Leslie Voltaire of recommending 14 ambassadors out of 26 heads of missions. Joseph lists the replacement of Conille with Prime Minister Didier Fils-Aimé as among the group's accomplishments. But he also makes clear that he had 'expressed reservations' about the rotating presidency adopted by a May 12, 2024 resolution for two fundamental reasons. First, he said, it was a violation of the April 3 agreement that the group was supposed to abide by but has consistently ignored. Secondly, Joseph said, he believed that by having four of the seven voting members rotate their turn at the helm as president, 'it would create problems in the transfer of responsibilities. In fact, this issue is now present and generates a kind of mistrust at every turn.'
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Haiti faces growing threat of famine
HAITI-June 17 (UPI) -- Haiti is one of five countries facing extreme famine and the risk of starvation in the coming months unless urgent humanitarian action is taken. A joint assessment by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program links Haiti's worsening food security to escalating gang violence and a prolonged economic crisis. More than 5.7 million people -- about 51% of Haiti's population -- are projected to face acute food insecurity this year, the highest level since 2013. That includes 2.1 million in emergency conditions and more than 8,400 displaced people living in camps who could face catastrophic food shortages in the months ahead. Armed gangs remain the biggest threat to stability in Haiti. Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, gangs have expanded their control, committing widespread looting, arson, sexual violence and indiscriminate killings. In Port-au-Prince, they now control more than 85% of the capital and have extended their reach into farming areas, public infrastructure and major roads. Haiti now has a record 1.3 million internally displaced people -- a 24% increase over the past six months. The U.N. report warns that continued violence is likely to drive further civilian displacement. After six consecutive years of economic decline, Haiti's economy is expected to shrink further in 2025 due to stagnant agricultural production and falling export revenue. Despite a relatively stable exchange rate since late 2023, the Haitian gourde remains fragile, fueling a surge in food prices. Annual inflation reached 37.5% in February 2025. Extreme weather events remain a major threat across Latin America and the Caribbean. In Haiti, a stronger-than-average hurricane season is expected, putting already strained food production and livelihoods at greater risk after years of repeated climate shocks. Cuts to international aid funding are straining critical humanitarian operations. While the United States has designated Haitian armed groups as "terrorist organizations," it has scaled back direct humanitarian assistance in favor of regional efforts led by the Organization of American States and neighboring countries. The Transitional Presidential Council, which currently leads the country, has failed to regain control or weaken armed groups. Kenya is leading a Multinational Security Support Mission, but the force is operating with fewer personnel than planned, limiting its ability to contain the violence. The U.N. report highlights worsening hunger in 13 global hotspots. The countries of greatest concern are Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali -- all facing famine or a high risk of famine due to escalating conflict, economic collapse or natural disasters. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the report says Bolivia and Colombia -- along with Haiti -- are facing troubling levels of food insecurity. In Bolivia, the crisis could worsen amid sustained high inflation, shrinking foreign reserves and a fuel shortage that is disrupting agricultural activity. In Colombia, despite government efforts to maintain peace talks, the U.N. report warns that rising violence in early 2025 led to increased displacement, with food insecurity affecting about 7.8 million people -- roughly 15% of the population -- in the hardest-hit areas. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
3 days ago
- Politics
- UPI
Haiti faces growing threat of famine
HAITI-June 17 (UPI) -- Haiti is one of five countries facing extreme famine and the risk of starvation in the coming months unless urgent humanitarian action is taken. A joint assessment by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program links Haiti's worsening food security to escalating gang violence and a prolonged economic crisis. More than 5.7 million people -- about 51% of Haiti's population -- are projected to face acute food insecurity this year, the highest level since 2013. That includes 2.1 million in emergency conditions and more than 8,400 displaced people living in camps who could face catastrophic food shortages in the months ahead. Armed gangs remain the biggest threat to stability in Haiti. Since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, gangs have expanded their control, committing widespread looting, arson, sexual violence and indiscriminate killings. In Port-au-Prince, they now control more than 85% of the capital and have extended their reach into farming areas, public infrastructure and major roads. Haiti now has a record 1.3 million internally displaced people -- a 24% increase over the past six months. The U.N. report warns that continued violence is likely to drive further civilian displacement. After six consecutive years of economic decline, Haiti's economy is expected to shrink further in 2025 due to stagnant agricultural production and falling export revenue. Despite a relatively stable exchange rate since late 2023, the Haitian gourde remains fragile, fueling a surge in food prices. Annual inflation reached 37.5% in February 2025. Extreme weather events remain a major threat across Latin America and the Caribbean. In Haiti, a stronger-than-average hurricane season is expected, putting already strained food production and livelihoods at greater risk after years of repeated climate shocks. Cuts to international aid funding are straining critical humanitarian operations. While the United States has designated Haitian armed groups as "terrorist organizations," it has scaled back direct humanitarian assistance in favor of regional efforts led by the Organization of American States and neighboring countries. The Transitional Presidential Council, which currently leads the country, has failed to regain control or weaken armed groups. Kenya is leading a Multinational Security Support Mission, but the force is operating with fewer personnel than planned, limiting its ability to contain the violence. The U.N. report highlights worsening hunger in 13 global hotspots. The countries of greatest concern are Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali -- all facing famine or a high risk of famine due to escalating conflict, economic collapse or natural disasters. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the report says Bolivia and Colombia -- along with Haiti -- are facing troubling levels of food insecurity. In Bolivia, the crisis could worsen amid sustained high inflation, shrinking foreign reserves and a fuel shortage that is disrupting agricultural activity. In Colombia, despite government efforts to maintain peace talks, the U.N. report warns that rising violence in early 2025 led to increased displacement, with food insecurity affecting about 7.8 million people -- roughly 15% of the population -- in the hardest-hit areas.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
4 years after Haiti's president was killed, investigation drags on
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, June 15, (AP): Not one suspect imprisoned in Haiti has faced trial after being charged in the killing of President Jovenel Moïse, who was gunned down at his home in the nation's capital nearly four years ago. Gang violence, death threats and a crumbling judicial system have stalled an ongoing investigation defined by outbursts and tense exchanges between suspects and judges. "You failed in your mission. And you are not ashamed to declare yourself innocent,' Judge Claude Jean said in a booming voice as he stood and faced a Haitian policeman responsible for protecting the president, who was shot 12 times in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Jean is one of six Haitian judges investigating whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial for the 20 suspects held in the troubled Caribbean country. Authorities said some of the suspects envisioned a coup, not an assassination, leading to lucrative contracts under a new administration. The suspects include 17 former soldiers from Colombia and three Haitian officials: an ex-mayor, a former policeman and a former Haiti Ministry of Justice employee who worked on an anti-corruption unit. Missing are several key Haitian suspects who escaped last year after a powerful gang federation raided Haiti's two biggest prisons, including Dimitri Hérard, ex-head of security at Haiti's National Palace. Three other suspects, all Colombians, were killed hours after Moïse was slain, while a key suspect in the case, Haitian Superior Court Judge Windelle Coq Thélot, died in January while still a fugitive. The investigation was repeatedly halted by the resignation of judges who feared for their lives. Defense attorneys then appealed after the court ruled there was sufficient evidence for trial. Jean and five other judges are now tasked with restarting the inquiry. But determining complicity among 51 suspects is only one of numerous challenges. Last year, powerful gangs seized control of the downtown Port-au-Prince courthouse where the judges were interrogating suspects. The hearings were suspended until the government rented a home in Pacot, a neighborhood once considered safe enough for the French embassy. But gangs controlling 85% of Haiti's capital recently attacked and forced the government to move again. The hearings restarted in May, this time in a private home in Pétion-Ville, a community trying to defend itself from gangs seeking full control of Port-au-Prince.
