As Haiti’s humanitarian and safety crisis worsens, US congress members (both republican & democratic) agree it is time to offer help. The US believes that it is time that gangs and gang affiliated supporters in Haiti finally face repercussions and are held accountable for their actions of causing unsafe conditions for citizens. The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, proposed by Congress this year, would let the US State Department to investigate relations between gangs and other affiliates to report back to Congress. More so, it would establish sanctions for human rights violations and visa restrictions on leading gang affiliation. Due to gang activity, fuel subsidies have been cut and unable to reach the capital and others. Altogether, resulting in statewide hunger.
The choice to get involved in Haiti’s food and humanitarian crisis is important because it shows the importance of getting involved and providing aid to other states in need. In the past two years, gang activity in Haiti has skyrocketed around the capital and communities. Forcing many to flee or face gang control. The US has been Haiti’s largest humanitarian aid for the past couple decades from natural disasters to humanitarian issues. However, when Haiti reaches points of security, both the US & Haiti are able to benefit as close neighbors through trade. So in times of need, the US is usually the first to reach out in support. I believe the US getting involved is important because it allows the friends to show mutual support for one another and overall regional security between the two. Meaning it shows other countries that the US won’t regularly tolerate certain domestic issues & actions in close affiliated countries.
This relates back to class because it discusses the idea of states stepping in to assist others in times of crisis. Forwarding the idea of the two nations of reciprocity and collective identity in working together.