Unfortunately, the security condition in Haiti is deteriorating by the minute.
The United Nations has declared the current cholera epidemic a "National Security" issue.
If your travel isn't absolutely necessary, we join with the US State Department and urge you to consider postponing travel plans to Haiti until conditions improve.
If your travel needs are urgent and necessary, we stand ready to provide the best protection and security available.
On-Going Demonstrations in Port-au-Prince
15 people lynched in Haiti in two weekshttp://www.indiatalkies.com/2010/12/15-people-lynched-haiti-weeks.html
Port-au-Prince, Dec 3 (IANS/EFE) Fifteen people have been lynched in the southwestern Haitian province of Grand’Anse over the past two weeks on suspicion of poisoning water supplies, media reports said Thursday. Several people allegedly died as a result of poisoning, though their deaths were originally attributed to the cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 1,800 lives in the impoverished Caribbean nation since Oct 19.
Eight people were lynched in Moron Chambellan, three in Jeremie, two in Dame Marie and two in Guinode, correspondents in Grand’Anse told EFE.
In each case, the victim was beaten to death and then incinerated with burning tyres by mobs who accused them of dumping ‘magic powder’ into the local sources of drinking water.
The actions of the vigilantes have sown panic in the region, prompting many residents to hunker down inside their homes after dark, according to the press accounts.
Police have made no arrests in connection with the lynchings.
Authorities are finding it difficult to investigate the killings and the alleged poisoning because citizens are reluctant to cooperate, fearing that black magic is involved, judicial official Kesner Numa told the website Haiti Libre.
The outbreak of cholera comes as Haitians are still struggling to recover from a Jan 12 earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and left 1 million homeless.
–IANS/EFE rd IANS Warden Message: Haiti, Demonstrations Scheduled in Port-au-Prince |
| Civil Unrest |
|
|
| 11/30/2010 |
|
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince released the following Warden Message on November 30, 2010: The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of numerous protests throughout Port-au-Prince and in provincial areas of Haiti. In the upcoming days additional protests are expected in Port-au-Prince in Juvenat (near the Karibé Hotel), in Petionville (near the CEP), and in lower Delmas, as well as in the downtown area near the state university campuses, Champ de Mars, the National Palace, and the Prime Minister’s office, among other areas. Protests have also been reported in several provincial cities, including Cap Haitien, Gonaives, Saint Marc, Port-de-Paix, Ti Goave, Leogane, and Les Cayes. These protests are expected to continue sporadically and may occur unannounced in additional areas in Port au Prince and the provinces in the coming days and weeks. Such protests are often unpredictable, can quickly turn from nonviolent to violent, and do not remain in static locations. U.S. citizens are advised to remain especially vigilant and continue to monitor radio, television and other media. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. |
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of demonstrations in downtown Port-au-Prince, around Champ-de-Mars and around the Faculty of Ethnology (Rue Magny/Rue Magloire Amboise and Rue Saint-Honoré/Rue Magloire Amboise). Roads are being blocked and further violence is expected. These demonstrations are recurring regularly and are expected to continue during the electoral period. All travel to these areas should be avoided.
U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.
The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
For emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located at Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti; telephone (509) 2-229-8000; after hours emergency telephone (509) 2-229-8000; ACS Unit fax (509) 2-229-8027; and e-mail at acspap@state.gov.
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince released the following Warden Message on November 4, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that there are reports of multiple violent demonstrations downtown, in the Fort Nationale and St Martin neighborhoods, and in Croix-des-Bouquets.
American citizens are advised to avoid this area and should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of the situation as it develops. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
The U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince released the
following Warden Message on July 21, 2010:
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing
this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens of expected strikes and
possible demonstrations throughout the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area
and the Department de L’Ouest, to include possible protests in Leogane,
Carrefour, Delmas, and Petionville. Some services in the city may shut
down.
It is expected that the strike and possible protest activity will continue sporadically throughout the two-day period, Thursday and Friday, July 22nd and 23rd. American citizens are advised to reschedule all non-essential travel to the downtown area. All travel to destinations outside the city should be routed in a manner to avoid passing through Champ de Mars.
U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince. They should be aware of their surroundings at all times and are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy. They can do so at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
U.S.
Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on June 25,
2010:
The U.S.
Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S.
citizens of a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving at
Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince on flights
from the United States were later attacked and robbed while traveling in
cars away from the airport. At least two
American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent
months. Police authorities believe criminals may
be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the U.S., following
them, and attacking them later once they are out of the area. Travelers
are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the
airport.
February 22, 2010
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 magnitude, that struck near Port-au-Prince on January 12. The Department of State has ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Haiti.
The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti. The January 12 earthquake caused significant damage to key infrastructure, and access to basic services is extremely limited. Additional aftershocks remain a possibility. All forms of communication within Haiti are limited. The country is experiencing a shortage of food, water, transportation, and adequate shelter. Many medical facilities have been operating beyond maximum capacity, and the current sanitation situation poses serious health risks. The Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services is limited. With the resumption of commercial air services on February 19, the U.S. Government has discontinued evacuation assistance.
Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the ground. Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited. Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti. Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space. Cash donations support Haiti's local economy and ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered. The following website has information on how to assist in the Haiti earthquake relief effort: http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake
U.S. citizens who intend to work for an organization involved in relief efforts in Haiti should be aware that living conditions are difficult, and the availability of food supplies, clean drinking water, and adequate shelter in Haiti is limited. U.S. citizens seeking work with a relief organization should ascertain before traveling to Haiti that the organization has the capability to provide food, water, and shelter for its paid and volunteer workers. All relief organizations should have in place a security plan for their personnel.
Strong aftershocks are likely for months after an earthquake. In the event of an aftershock, persons outside should avoid falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse. If indoors, persons should take shelter beside furniture, not underneath. Experts believe that curling into a fetal position beside a table, desk or couch may create a "survivable void" inside collapsed buildings. Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines. Do not use matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case of disrupted gas lines.
U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Haiti despite this Travel Warning are urged to register their travel through the State Department's travel registration website. The Embassy of the United States Port-au-Prince Haiti is located at Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-8000, facsimile: (509) (2) 229-8027, email: acspap@state.gov American Citizens Services Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays.
While the Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable receipt of warden messages via email. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.