The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) is set to resume its operations in Haiti on Wednesday, bringing much-needed relief to a nation grappling with escalating violence. This follows the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to lift a 30-day ban on U.S.-registered aircraft, which was initially imposed after two airlines' flights were attacked while approaching Port-au-Prince airport.
\"The plane isn't very big and the helicopter isn't a huge helicopter,\" said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. \"So it moves some humanitarian goods, but mostly people.\"
The FAA had enforced the ban on November 12 after a Spirit Airlines flight from Ft. Lauderdale was hit by gunfire near the Haitian capital, resulting in its safe diversion to the Dominican Republic. Jet Blue also reported an incident involving one of its aircraft under similar circumstances.
With the resumption of UNHAS operations, fresh humanitarian aid is expected to reach over 135,000 vulnerable residents in Port-au-Prince by the end of the month. WFP plans to distribute food rations to more than 50,000 people in Croix-des-Bouquets and serve hot meals to 16,000 displaced individuals in the coming days.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 20,000 people have been displaced in the Port-au-Prince area within just four days, including 17,000 men, women, and children across 15 displacement sites. Many of those displaced have faced multiple instances of forced evacuation from their homes.
Despite the ongoing security challenges, IOM and its partners remain committed to delivering essential assistance. Efforts include subsidies for rent payments, mobile clinics for medical care, psycho-social support, family reunification, and aid for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, IOM supports deported migrants at border crossings.
Dujarric emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all humanitarian personnel and civilians, urging all parties to allow unimpeded access to those in need.
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UN aims to resume humanitarian flights in Haiti on Wednesday
cgtn.com
