State Department officials are consulting with Haitian grassroots organizations, academics and others to see how the United States can help tackle the country’s ongoing gang violence and instability.
The consultations, which have included discussions with over 230 individuals and organizations, are ongoing and part of the priority the country is being given under the Global Fragility Act. A long-term strategy that was rolled out last year, the idea behind the act is to support programs through a 10-year commitment that prevents violent conflicts before they erupt and fosters conditions for growth that help stabilize the country.
The hope is that by taking a long-term policy framework for the United States’ approach to assistance in Haiti, rather than short, erratic disbursements, the U.S. and Haiti will see better results. Critics have long accused the U.S. and others in the international community of being shortsighted when it comes to aid programs, or not showing a long-term commitment to ensure that programs work. As a result, the funding dries up and the program ends.
