The ‘moral obligation’ of Haitian NGO staff must continue despite the kidnapping of two children
The Caribbean island nation continues to endure extreme unrest, with widespread and unrelenting violence as rival gangs battle each other and police for control of the capital Port-au -Prince.
The violence, including kidnapping for ransom, took place against a backdrop of political and economic crisis as well as poverty and underdevelopment.
Chantale Valcourt leads CAPAC, a national non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, and a partner of the World Food Program (WFP).
“My two daughters, 11 and 8 years old, were kidnapped on their way to school in Port-au-Prince on October 30, 2023. They were held for 5 days and released after a ransom was paid.
CAPAC Director Chantale Valcourt (second left), speaks with WFP staff in Port-au-Prince.
Even though they were released safely and treated with respect by their kidnappers, this was still an extremely traumatic experience for my family, especially my children.
After this incident, school never really reopened and so in January, in the best interests of my daughters, I sent them out of the country.
It became more and more difficult for me to go out to work, always alert to danger but never intending to leave. Despite everything, I continue to do my job because I have a sense of responsibility to the community and humanity.
I feel a strong moral obligation to support others.
This is the daily reality that Haitians face and one of the ever-present dangers faced by humanitarian workers on the front lines assisting vulnerable people.
We moved from our house in northern Port-au-Prince because the gangs had moved in, so I was effectively a displaced person.
Desperate situation
CAPAC is a national NGO and we work together with WFP. Our mission is to ensure social justice and gender equality and reduce poverty by working with vulnerable populations.
A woman displaced by gang violence is now living in a former theater in downtown Port-au-Prince.
We work in some of the most inaccessible gang-controlled areas, including Cité Soleil, La Saline, Martissant, Croix-des-Bouquets, Bas-Delmas and the downtown districts of Port-au-Prince .
Access is difficult, especially given the conflict between gangs and the Haitian National Police. Many of the people we are trying to reach remain holed up in their homes. This makes it impossible to deliver aid at the speed needed in gang-controlled areas.
Their situation remains desperate. In recent days, we have seen more suffering and unrest related to the forced displacement of the most vulnerable.
Armed gang attacks and mass shootings in populated areas have caused serious destruction of civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. religion.
Female front-line leaders
As a female frontline leader coordinating the emergency humanitarian response in Port-au-Prince, I experienced events I had never witnessed before. They are still engraved in my mind.
The impact of our work on the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities cannot be ignored.
Despite the situation on the ground, terror by gangs and limited humanitarian access, the distribution of hot meals and cash transfers are vital to saving lives.
My own situation made me even more determined to help the poorest people. In fact, I sometimes take my baby to work because I never thought that breastfeeding would prevent me from supporting those in need. I have never wanted to disrupt or stop the work of our organization.
Positive things amidst the chaos
The situation in Haiti is chaotic and dire. But surprisingly, I found some positives.
A female student in Port-au-Prince holds up a sign in French that says ‘peace’.
I have met many strong and impressive women who have helped me better understand what we can do to bring about change. I have learned a lot from them. The whole world can learn from them.
No matter the circumstances, I am motivated to be on the front lines and continue to break the cycle of poverty by bringing vital help to the most vulnerable in marginalized communities.”
