|
Overall Crime and Safety
Situation
The Bureau of Diplomatic
Security rates Port-au-Prince as ‘critical’ for crime. Haiti is unique in the
Caribbean for its lack of tourism and development. Due to this anomaly,
traditional tourist-oriented crimes such as pick pocketing and purse snatching
remain less common than in neighboring Dominican Republic, Jamaica and other
countries in the region. There are an estimated 35,000 American citizens in
Haiti, mostly of Haitian descent. The most frequently reported crimes against
Americans in Port-au-Prince are carjacking, kidnappings, and robberies. Home
invasions also remain a problem. While the overall number of incidents declined
in 2007, kidnappings, car-jackings and home invasions remain the key criminal
activities and concerns for Haitians and Americans alike. Most of these criminal
acts continue to be perpetrated by organized (or quasi-organized) armed criminal
gangs.
Political Violence
2007 began with a three-month
long offensive by the UN peacekeeping forces (MINUSTAH) to take back control of
Cite Soleil, the lawless, gang-controlled slum area that had in recent years
become the base of operations for many of the most notorious and active criminal
gangs in Haiti. By March, MINUSTAH forces had successfully reclaimed most of
Cite Soleil -- and had arrested or killed several of the key gang leaders. Those
that were not caught fled to other parts of Port-au-Prince or out into rural
parts of Haiti, where some were able to partially re-group and continue their
criminal enterprises. The overall result of the Cite Soleil offensive was an
almost immediate drop in the number of kidnappings incidents throughout
Port-au-Prince. However, while the number of overall incidents dropped, the
scattering of the once centralized criminal gangs resulted in a much less
predictable pattern of activity. The number of home invasion related kidnappings
in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince increased, as did the number
of kidnappings and robberies along major streets in other, previously safer
areas of Port-au-Prince. Also, at least in some cases, the victims of these gang
activities were treated more violently, being beaten, raped and even killed at a
rate higher than had been experienced before the U.N. offensive. This increased
violence was a result of several factors, including 1) the vacuum left after the
key gang "overlords," who regulated the kidnapping industry were removed by
MINUSTAH, and 2) the reduction in safe house areas for gangsters to operate
unfettered. The result was the emergence of a less professional, more
decentralized gang structure, whose modus operandi was cavalier, reckless and
less threatened by security personnel, and whose members were more likely to
become panicked and respond violently than they would have as part of a more
organized gang structure.
Violence around the Martissant
community, an area in southern Port-au-Prince, continued to be a major problem
in 2007. Several of the gang members who fled Cite Soleil during the MINUSTAH
offensive were reported to have settled in Martissant, an area already
considered to be a gang stronghold. With Cite Soleil considered "secure" by
MINUSTAH, UN peacekeeping forces refocused their efforts in Martissant in the
second half of 2007, where they have continued to conduct joint operations with
the Haitian National Police (HNP) to apprehend gang members. Unlike Cite Soleil,
which is isolated geographically, Martissant is in the center of a sprawling
area of Port-au-Prince, which, with its numerous side streets and narrow
alleyways, has created problems for police and security forces to contain gang
movements.
It is also notable that while
most of the major gang leaders have been captured or killed, one primary and
influential gangster, Amaral Duclona, remains at large and is believed to be
possibly reconstituting his gang for continued criminal ventures. In any case,
the vacuum left from the removal of the other main gang leaders has given rise
to competing up-and-comers who aspire to recapture the power once held by the
previous main players. For the most part, while several of the up-and-comers'
identities are known to police and security elements, they so far have been kept
in check by the MINUSTAH forces. Many of these gangsters are believed to be
leaders by self-proclamation only, and have been cautious about actively
engaging in overt criminal enterprises while UN forces remain in their
respective areas.
A related issue is the number
of gangsters who have been let out of jail over the second half of 2007. While
at least some are believed to have been released due to arrangements with
corrupt judges, many were released simply because of inadequate evidence (many
cases were dependent on testimony of witnesses who are too afraid to step
forward) and/or due to poorly assembled criminal cases. Many of the cases
involving arrests of gangsters by UN forces ran into legal questions, since the
UN is not a police entity with jurisdiction in criminal cases. As a solution to
this issue, MINUSTAH forces in known gang areas began patrolling with a small
number of HNP officers whose job it is to make a formal, legal arrest of
gangsters and other criminals encountered during UN patrols.
As a result of the scattering
of gang enterprises around Port-au-Prince and greater Haiti, there was a sharp
increase in the number of vigilante lynchings of those suspected by community
members of gang activity. In one volatile instance in the spring, hundreds of
angry residents surrounded a major police commissariat in Port-au-Prince,
demanding the release of one of the most notorious gang leaders into their
charge for retributive justice. The police were forced to move the gang member
for fear of the commissariat being overrun by an angry mob. Several incidents of
vigilante justice in the Port-au-Prince area and in the provinces were reported
during the last several months of 2007.
During 2007, MINUSTAH also
stepped up joint operations with HNP around other key areas of instability in
Port-au-Prince, with the intention of restricting gang movements and increasing
public confidence.
As a country of approximately
8.5 million people, the Haitian National Police (HNP) currently has only about
9,000 officers total, approximately two-thirds of whom are deployed in the
capital (Port au Prince has approximately 3.5 million residents). Due to this
deficiency, many communities throughout Haiti simply do not have means to report
crimes, and those crimes that are not adequately documented in any sort of
standardized reporting format.
Post Specific Concerns
While most people in Haiti are
friendly and peaceful, travelers to Haiti are reminded of the potential for
spontaneous protests and public demonstrations, especially in Port-au-Prince,
which can occur at any time, day or night, and may result in violence. American
citizens are advised to take common sense precautions and avoid any event where
crowds may congregate. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the
absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti; the potential for
looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the
police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including carjacking and
assault. Kidnapping for ransom also remains a serious threat.
Americans traveling in Haiti
should also take special care and attention to ensure they do not become
stranded in remote regions or accidentally enter certain area deemed unsafe,
especially within Port-au-Prince.
Kidnappings
U.S. citizens traveling to and
residing in Haiti are reminded that Haiti remains a leading source of criminal
kidnappings of Americans, and is still rated among the kidnapping capitals of
the world.
Most kidnappings since 2004
continue to be criminal in nature (as opposed to political), and the kidnappers
make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender or age; all who are perceived
to have wealth or some family connections abroad are vulnerable. While most
cases were resolved through the payment of ransom, some kidnappings in 2007 were
marked by deaths, sexual assault, shooting and physical assault.
Kidnapping trends in Haiti
during 2007 varied greatly during what was a greatly effective campaign by UN
forces and HNP to crack down on the kidnapping gangs. As previously noted, the
retaking of Cite Soleil by UN forces and the subsequent decentralization of the
kidnapping gangs had both a positive and some complicating effects. While total
instances of kidnappings dropped substantially, the patterns became less
predictable and areas of victimization became more widely spread out, creating a
new set of challenges for police and security elements. The sharp increase that
occurred towards the end of 2007, while anticipated, demonstrated that the
capabilities and persistent intent of the criminal gangs that are still
operating throughout Haiti, and in particular around Port-au-Prince, are still a
real security concern going into 2008.
The U.S. Consulate reports
that 28 Americans were reported kidnapped in 2007 (as opposed to over 60
Americans in 2006) with a total number of reported kidnappings in Haiti to be
approximately 300 (as opposed to approximately 540 in 2006). As stated above,
due to substantial under-reporting, the actual number of kidnappings can not
reasonably be projected, but could be substantially higher than these totals
reported.
Shootings
The prevalence of guns in
Haiti remains a key security concern, as disarmament efforts, such as the UN's
DDR program and the GOH's CNDDR program, have yielded only modest results over
the past few years.
Random gunfire, while down
from 2006, is reported on an almost daily basis around Port-au-Prince, with
sporadic reports of injury or death resulting from stray bullets.
Robbery related shootings have
increased during 2007, including a sharp increase in incidents in the more
affluent Port-au-Prince neighborhood of Petion-ville. This increase, as with
other types of crime, is likely due to the scattering of gangsters displaced by
the UN takeover over Cite Soleil. Robberies resulting in shootings have almost
all occurred when the victim resisted the robber(s).
Personal Robberies
Armed and/or strong-arm
robberies against motorists and pedestrians remains a concern throughout Haiti,
however reports of simple robberies against foreigners over the past year remain
relatively low.
During the spring of 2007
there was a marked increase in armed robbery of pedestrians, "tap-tap"
(unofficial public transportation) passengers, and motorists in many parts of
the city, including more affluent Petion-ville. As a result of the increase of
incidents in Petion-ville, HNP further increased police presence in the area and
reports of armed robberies in the area again declined. HNP has indicated that a
large portion of the next HNP Academy class, set for graduation in mid 2008,
will be earmarked for duty in Petion-ville.
Residential Theft
Residential theft (burglaries/
home invasions) trends over the past year have suggested a departure from
traditional criminal burglary and a rise in robbery/kidnapping. In
Port-au-Prince particularly, almost all home invasions were conducted for the
dual purpose of kidnapping and robbery, where previously the focus was
principally on robbery. In other regions of Haiti, simple home burglaries and
thefts remain a regular occurrence.
Throughout the latter half of
2007, as with other crimes, there was a marked increase in the number of home
invasions in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince. There were several
reported incidents involving a large number of masked, heavily armed men forcing
entry into homes in the middle of the night. In many cases, evidence suggested
that the houses targeted were selected for lacking security, and that the
targets were observed in advance of the invasion. In some instances, it is
believed the domestic staff was paid to aid in the facilitation of the
invasions. In almost all cases, the kidnap victims were taken away in the family
car.
Vehicle Theft
Vehicle thefts in Haiti remain
a serious problem in many areas, however they continue to be more commonly
committed in conjunction with kidnappings/ car-jackings. With a substantially
greater police presence in 2007 it is possible that the overall figures for
vehicle thefts were much lower than might have otherwise been expected in
previous years.
Driving and Travel
Roads around Cite Soleil,
primarily Route National #1 and #9 are safer, but should still be considered
dangerous areas and travel should be avoided. Care should also be used when
traveling around Carrefour, particularly along Route National #2 through
Martissant, as well as travel in the vicinity of Cite Militaire, and along La
Saline Boulevard (Port Road) due to continuing concerns of criminal activity and
proximity to known gang areas. Towards the last quarter of 2007, incidents of
armed car-jackings and kidnappings along Route de Frere increased dramatically
and drivers are cautioned to avoid stopping along any portion of the road,
especially during night time hours. In addition to the above recommendations, it
is important to note that general vigilance should be used at all times on all
roads in Haiti, as there is no area that should be considered immune to crime.
Safety Threats
Road Conditions in Haiti
Driving in Haiti requires
extreme caution, particularly in the evening hours. Road conditions inside and
outside the major cities are extremely poor. Very few roads in Haiti are paved
and the ones that are paved, generally are in a state of disrepair. A majority
of the roads outside of the main cities are either topped with gravel or are
poorly maintained dirt roads. Currently, there are a few road improvement
projects underway, but the projects are moving at such a slow pace no
recognizable difference should be expected in the short term. Traffic rules and
courtesies are not observed or enforced in Haiti, and traffic within
Port-au-Prince is often gridlocked.
While piles of trash in the
streets and missing manhole covers are increasingly less common than in recent
years, they do persist along with gaping ditches and pot holes, pedestrians and
small animals to further adversely impact traffic.
Driving in downtown
Port-au-Prince requires particular caution and fulltime attention. Vendors have
taken over the sidewalks and in some cases much of the roadway, so the only way
for a pedestrian to pass down any given street is by walking in the street.
During 2007 several solar-powered stop lights were installed throughout
Port-au-Prince to aid in traffic control, with some positive results. Still, the
ever-increasing volume of vehicles within Port-au-Prince makes such additions
limited in their positive effect.
In rural or mountainous areas,
drivers should expect a lack of adequate guard rails, few traffic signs or road
markings and little to no road lighting. Drivers should use caution when driving
around bends, as it is common for locals coming the other direction to pass
slower vehicles or otherwise drive in the middle of the road, even around blind
turns.
People traveling outside of
Port-au-Prince should do so during daylight hours if possible, and in tandem
with one or more other vehicles due to both the security situation and road
conditions. While car-jackings, assaults and armed robberies are not uncommon in
many urban areas, they are less common in the countryside.
Drivers should be conscious
that accidents in general can draw angry and potentially violent crowds in a
very short period of time and it is recommended that anyone involved in an
accident proceed directly to a safe place (e.g. police station) to resolve the
situation. Remaining at the scene of an accident is considered to be a hazard
to one's health and well-being.
Drivers should also take note
of added safety risks during the rainy season (December through March), when
roadways can become impassable quickly, thus creating a hazardous condition for
the traveler. The mountainous areas pose even greater challenges to road travel
due to weather conditions frequently involving rain and foggy conditions. The
narrow, unpaved roads are also blocked by muddy surface conditions, causing
unsafe driving conditions.
Public Transportation
The local transport known as
"tap taps" are the primary form of public transportation for most Haitian. The
use of these public tap taps by westerners should be considered dangerous,
however, as robberies and accidents are common.
Natural Disasters
Haiti, like most Caribbean
countries, can be affected by hurricanes and other storms. Hurricane season
runs from approximately June 1 - November 30 each year. Driving during these
times should be considered extremely risky.
Twice during 2007 Haiti was
adversely affected by severe tropical storms that resulted in severe flooding
and washed out roads in many areas. Several deaths were reported in conjunction
with these storms, primarily in the poorer areas along southern shores.
Earthquakes, while much less
common in occurrences than hurricanes, have affected Haiti intermittently over
the years. Because Haiti is located directly over two separate fault lines, a
significant seismic event, such as the one that occurred last in 1842
(approximately 5,000 killed) would likely cause moderate to catastrophic damage
in some areas of Haiti, predominantly the built up urban areas. Due the length
of time that has passed since the last major earthquake, some experts feel that
Haiti might be due for a major one soon.
Medical Emergencies
Medical services in Haiti are
below US standards. Emergency medical care, while available in Port-au-Prince,
is virtually non-existent outside the city. The Embassy uses the Hospital du
Canapé Vert (tel 244-1052 or 244-1053) for emergency care. However, due to
limited availability of many types of specialists, it is recommended that those
visiting
Port-au-Prince carry
medical evacuation insurance.
There are several air
ambulance companies based in the United States that service Haiti - National Air
Ambulance (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 1-800-327-3710, Air Ambulance Networks
1-800-327-1966, Air Ambulance
Professionals 1-800-752-4195.
The Department of State
strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior
to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether
it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical
insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States
unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid
programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that
will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services
such as medical evacuations.
Useful information on medical
emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the
Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information
for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs
home page or fax: (202) 647-300
Additional Health Information
CDC International Traveler's
hotline - (404) 332-4559, http://www.cdc.gov.
For international treatment
and medical insurance
AEA International, (206)
340-6000.
Air ambulance service
(recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S): AEA
International, (800) 752-4195.
Contact Information for U.S.
Embassy
Regional Security Office:
222-0200 ext 8345
Consular Section: 223-7011
American citizens are strongly
encouraged to register at the American Citizens Services section at the
Consulate, located at
104 Rue Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince.
OSAC Haiti Country Council
There is an active OSAC
Country Council in Haiti. All U.S. private sector organizations active in Haiti
are encouraged to attend meetings. For more information, please contact the
Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, or visit
http://portauprince.osac.gov.
|
