Economic and social disparities are enormous in Haiti. The population has been exposed to poor governance for decades, with around 80% of the population living below the poverty line. Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of social services and infrastructure contribute to increasing both the level of violence and social and political unrest. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, something which was exacerbated by the earthquake in 2010.
After many decades of deforestation and the depletion of land resources, only 2% of the country's formerly forested area remains. Because of this, the country is particularly vulnerable during hurricane season, with an increased risk of flooding, landslides, and the spread of diseases.
Because of the poor living conditions, many people migrate to urban areas or leave the country entirely. Slum areas in cities are growing, and many people are trying to cross the border to the neighboring Dominican Republic, often by illegal means.
Our work
Norwegian Church Aid has worked in Haiti since 1980. After the earthquake in January 2010, we increased our efforts and opened a local office in the country.
Reversing environmental degradation: Haiti lacks a centralised, sustainable system for handling sanitary waste. In addition, deforestation has led to increased vulnerability when natural disasters strike. Norwegian Church Aid is working to prevent further environmental degradation and contribute to reforestation. By building biogas plants in cities and rural areas, Norwegian Church Aid resolves problems related to waste disposal while simultaneously creating environmentally friendly energy sources for schools and markets. Norwegian Church Aid also supports forestation projects and helps local communities to better manage natural disasters.
The right to peace and security: Domestic violence and abuse against women and children is widespread in Haiti. The poorest people are especially vulnerable to economic exploitation. Together with our partners, we carry out awareness-raising to educate men and women about their rights and the importance of protection against abuse. This forms the basis for further work on peace and security at the national level. In addition, we train children and young people in how to resolve conflicts by means of non-violent techniques, we further organise leisure activities such as art, dance and martial arts that give young people non-violent means of venting frustration and encourage them to continue their schooling .
Women in governance: Norwegian Church Aid works for women's right to participate in political processes at local and national levels, as well as in civil society organisations. Women should be part of making decisions in community affairs and be active participants in the reconstruction of Haiti. We are working to ensure that women have leadership positions in organizations and the community and participate in decision making.
Emergency response: After the earthquake in January 2010, we increased our commitment for access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities in poor neighbourhoods and in areas that were hit by the earthquake. Clean water and safe toilets are basic necessities in preventing diseases like cholera. In addition, we are contributing to rebuilding systems that are qualitatively better than those that were in place before the earthquake.
Coordination through the ACT Alliance
In 2011, Norwegian Church Aid will lead the local ACT Forum in Haiti. The Forum is made up of both national and international ACT members. Cooperation and coordination in the ACT Alliance has worked well in the period since the earthquake, with a combined appeal and cooperation on projects, protection, security and accountability in humanitarian assistance (HAP).