Human rights expert William O’Neill on Friday expressed outrage at the December 17 attack on a hospital in the capital Port-au-Prince and the December 24 attack on the General Hospital.
In this attack, several journalists and a police officer present at the ceremony organized to mark the official opening of the hospital were killed.
William O’Neill said criminal groups have killed and kidnapped doctors, nurses and health care workers, including humanitarian aid workers.
According to information received, many hospitals and care centers have been burnt, forcing them to stop working there.
According to human rights experts, only 37 percent of health centers in the capital Port-au-Prince provide full health care.
dangerous situation
William O’Neill said violence by criminal gangs continues unabated and makes many areas of the Haitian capital extremely difficult to reach. Because of this, the lives of millions of Haitian citizens are at risk.
He said there are repeated threats to attack health centers and in some cases policemen are also allegedly involved.
Ordinary citizens of Haiti, including millions of children, are forced to live in extremely vulnerable conditions. The human rights expert said that amid cholera and TB outbreaks, children are “again paying a heavy price for this violence, and their right to health is severely undermined.”
Attack on journalists
The December 24 attack also highlights the dangers that exist for journalists in Haiti. Many journalists have been killed and forced to flee the country under death threats.
William O’Neill called on the international community to help local authorities in Haiti address insecurity and realize the right to health.
Human rights experts said these incidents need to be investigated and those responsible for the attacks need to be brought to justice.