UN resumes humanitarian flights to Haiti

(CPV) - The United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) will resume limited operations within Haiti from November 20, with small planes and helicopters used to transport humanitarian goods and people.

Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric. Photo: TASS.

This was announced by the spokesman of the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric on November 18. Accordingly, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted exemptions to the World Food Programme (WFP)'s UNHAS to operate US-registered helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft in Haiti. The operation of these aircraft will resume from November 20. Mr. Dujarric said that the aircraft and helicopters are not large-capacity vehicles, so they only serve to transport some humanitarian goods and people.

The World Food Programme (WFP) also announced that UNHAS will resume flights to Haiti on November 20 after a one-week pause to address regulatory issues. The WFP statement said UNHAS will provide passenger and light cargo services in Haiti to the entire humanitarian community, including local and international NGOs , adding that the suspension will not affect food supplies.

On November 12, the FAA issued a 30-day ban on all U.S. aircraft flying into Haiti after a Spirit Airlines flight from Ft. Lauderdale was hit by gunfire as it approached Port-au-Prince. The plane diverted to the Dominican Republic and landed safely. Jet Blue reported that one of its planes was also hit while landing in the Haitian capital. The U.S. ban prompted the United Nations to suspend flights to Port-au-Prince.

The violence in Haiti, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince, remains serious. Most areas in the city are under the control of armed gangs, greatly hindering relief efforts and access to those in need. In a press conference on November 18, Mr. Dujarric also expressed concern about the latest wave of violence in Haiti. "Our colleagues from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that amid the escalating violence in Haiti, more than 20,000 people have been displaced across the Port-au-Prince area in just four days. Of these, 17,000 men, women and children are currently being held in 15 evacuation sites," said the spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.

Spirit Airlines plane hit by gunfire as it landed at an airport in Haiti.
(Photo: New York Post)

Mr. Dujarric pointed out that the prolonged instability has forced many Haitians to flee their homes multiple times. Accordingly, UN colleagues have recorded an unprecedented wave of displacement since August last year. However, even in the face of security and access challenges, IOM and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to support the Haitian people.

Specifically, Mr. Dujarric said IOM is supporting some displaced people in Haiti by supporting rent payments and deploying mobile clinics to provide medical care . The agency is also providing services such as psychosocial support, family reunification efforts, and support for survivors of gender-based violence.

IOM also provides assistance to migrants who are expelled at border crossings. “IOM reminds all parties of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all humanitarian personnel and civilians, and reiterates our call for unhindered access to those in need,” said Dujarric.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is not alone in planning to serve hot meals to more than 16,000 displaced people in the coming days. On November 13, the organization distributed food rations to more than 50,000 vulnerable people in Croix-des-Bouquets and aims to distribute food rations to more than 135,000 people in the capital Port-au-Prince by the end of the month.

"Outside the capital Port-au-Prince, WFP and partners continue to provide school meals... More than 430,000 children are receiving meals, with 70% of these meals prepared with locally produced and purchased ingredients," said Mr. Dujarric./.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/the-gioi/tin-tuc/lien-hop-quoc-noi-lai-cac-chuyen-bay-nhan-dao-tai-haiti-683668.html