Early in June, clashes between armed gangs for the control of the Martissant neighborhood pushed tens of thousands of people to abandon their homes and relocate in public squares, sports centers or shelters, where they are victims of sexual abuse, denounced the United Nations representation in the country.

Two months later, many have still not been able to return home while aid from the government and non-governmental organizations has been substantially limited following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7.

‘It is a disgrace for the Republic,’ criticized Pierre, noting that the ‘aid provided has been suspended since the assassination,’ while the communal administration has no financial resources to feed the 1,200 people who lost everything.

The mayor revealed that the displaced are benefiting from the assistance of religious congregations, especially Catholic and Protestant, and encouraged the authorities to implement a relocation plan for internally displaced persons.

In addition to those sheltered in the sports center, hundreds of people, including individuals with limited capacities, are sheltered in two classrooms of a school in Petion Ville, without access to water or regular food.

Human rights organizations warned of the spread of diseases such as Covid-19 among these people who are sleeping crowded on the floor of the school.

The newly installed government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry has not yet made a statement on the situation of the internally displaced persons.

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