Haiti

Peoples Under Threat Ranking:
#57
5

Communities at risk

Political/social targets

Summary

The ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Haiti is multifaceted but rooted in a long-standing confluence of interests between the country’s largely corrupt ruling classes, on the one hand, and on the other, more powerful international partner states, financial institutions and aid organizations. Supported by the US, Jovenel Moïse came to power in a 2016… Read more »

Peoples Under Threat Data

2021 Data Peoples under Threat value
Self-determination conflictsNo data
Major armed conflictNo data
Prior genocide / politicideNo data
Flight of refugees and IDPs0.0113
Legacy of vengeance - group grievance5.3
Rise of factionalized elites9.6
Voice and Accountability-0.843
Political Stability-1.043
Rule of Law-1.036
OECD country risk classification7
TOTAL9.893

The overall measure for each country is based on a basket of 10 indicators. The number in each row is drawn from the source for that particular indicator. The sources of data and calculations used are detailed on the Notes to Table page. 

Background

The ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Haiti is multifaceted but rooted in a long-standing confluence of interests between the country’s largely corrupt ruling classes, on the one hand, and on the other, more powerful international partner states, financial institutions and aid organizations. Supported by the US, Jovenel Moïse came to power in a 2016 election wracked by irregularities and thereafter adopted an increasingly authoritarian stance, refusing to step down when his term ended in February 2021, and ruling by decree in defiance of judicial and constitutional authorities as well as widespread public opinion. Moïse was assassinated in July, igniting a power struggle among political elites, many of whom have long sponsored armed gangs. Gang kidnappings, sexual violence and killings have surged in 2020-21 amidst prevailing structural inequalities in Haitian society, weak state institutions and the erosion of legitimate public authority. Against the backdrop of a recent major earthquake and flash floods, mounting violence, poverty and hunger look set to continue.