Haiti’s Media Under Attack

UNICEF/Ralph Tedy Erol People flee the neighbourhood of Solino in Port-au-Prince following gang attacks there in May 2024.

Introduction to the Crisis

Armed gangs in Haiti are attacking media outlets to scare journalists and create chaos, says UNESCO, the UN’s culture agency. The country is already struggling with political, economic, and security problems.

Recently, gangs targeted three media companies, making it harder for people to get news. Journalists from Le Nouvelliste and Le National newspapers, along with UNESCO’s Haiti office, explained how these attacks are affecting their work.

History of Attacks on Journalists

Frantz Duval, editor of Le Nouvelliste, says Haitian journalists have faced attacks for a long time. A year ago, their office was destroyed, and other media outlets have also been attacked. Armed gangs now control most of Port-au-Prince, affecting businesses and individuals alike.

UNESCO’s Eric Voli Bi says the situation is serious. The attacks aim to stop the media from informing the public. UNESCO is calling for action to protect journalists and their workplaces.

Impact on Media Outlets

Duval says his newspaper, which is 127 years old, has never faced a crisis this bad. In the past, even during political unrest or the 2010 earthquake, they resumed work quickly. But now, traveling in Port-au-Prince is too dangerous. Journalists avoid areas with violence, so news coverage is limited.

Duval explains that when their office was attacked in March 2024, the staff had already left, but their printing presses and archives were lost. They couldn’t enter the area for ten months because of gangs. Now, the newspaper only publishes online.

Hervé LeRouge, CEO of Le National, says his media companies haven’t been attacked, but his construction businesses were. Gangs destroyed his facilities, and one of his employees, who had worked for him for 15 years, was killed.

Economic Challenges

Haitian media rely on advertising for income, but businesses are struggling, so ad revenue has dropped. Duval says there are no government funds to support the press.

LeRouge employs 51 people at his TV station and newspaper, but revenue is too low to pay them. He uses money from his other businesses to cover salaries because there are no jobs elsewhere. He sees journalism as a public service.

UNESCO’s Response

Voli Bi says Haiti needs basic security for the media to survive. UNESCO is helping the government improve the state broadcaster and is using radio and social media to spread reliable information.

Voli Bi says knowing the truth can save lives. People rely on the news to find safe places and avoid danger.

LeRouge says his journalists continue to report from the streets to show people what’s happening and where it’s safe.

Voli Bi warns that gangs want to cut off the public from information to create more chaos. Press freedom is essential for transparency and stability in a country already suffering from violence and disorder.

Source

Source: United Nations.

Conclusion

The situation in Haiti is dire, with armed gangs attacking media outlets and creating chaos. The international community must take action to protect journalists and their workplaces, ensuring that the public has access to reliable information. Press freedom is essential for transparency and stability, and it is crucial that we support the media in Haiti during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Haiti?

A: Armed gangs are attacking media outlets, creating chaos and limiting access to information.

Q: Why are the gangs targeting media outlets?

A: The gangs aim to stop the media from informing the public and creating more chaos.

Q: How is UNESCO responding to the situation?

A: UNESCO is helping the government improve the state broadcaster and using radio and social media to spread reliable information.

Q: What can be done to support the media in Haiti?

A: The international community must take action to protect journalists and their workplaces, ensuring that the public has access to reliable information.