In a grave revelation, William O’Neill, the UN’s top human rights expert for Haiti, has denounced the alarming trend of armed gangs assaulting medical facilities. He highlighted the dire situation where hospitals and clinics are on the brink of collapse, particularly citing the December 17 attack on the Bernard Mevs Hospital, which exemplifies the perilous conditions faced by healthcare workers and patients alike.
O’Neill’s statement unveiled a stark reality: only 37 percent of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are operational, primarily due to the aggressive violence instigated by these gangs. The access to healthcare has been rendered precarious, with threats routinely targeting health premises, complicating any efforts to provide crucial medical support to the vulnerable.
William O’Neill from the UN condemned armed gangs for targeting hospitals in Haiti, highlighting critical attacks that threaten healthcare services. With only 37% of medical facilities operational, violence has pushed many into closing down, risking the health of millions. He urged the international community to combat this insecurity and uphold the right to health for Haitians.
The attacks on healthcare facilities in Haiti reflect an urgent humanitarian crisis, revealing the deteriorating state of health services amid escalating gang violence. The UN calls for immediate international support to restore safety and healthcare access, stressing that the people of Haiti must not bear the consequences of such violent upheaval. Immediate action is crucial to avert further deterioration and protect the rights to health and life.
Haiti’s ongoing crisis, fueled by rampant gang violence, has plunged the nation into a humanitarian disaster. With healthcare systems deteriorating and security threats escalating, the UN emphasizes the urgent need for international intervention. Such attacks not only hinder immediate medical assistance but also pose risks of rampant infectious diseases, jeopardizing the lives of thousands of Haitians, particularly children.
Original Source: news.un.org
