Photo credit: news.un.org
The Caribbean nation of Haiti is grappling with a multifaceted crisis that encompasses humanitarian, economic, and political challenges, alongside a significant breakdown in law and order.
Recently, three media outlets have come under attack, signaling a disturbing shift in gang tactics aimed at further isolating the local population from vital information.
UN News engaged with key figures in the Haitian media landscape, including Frantz Duval, editor of Le Nouvelliste, Hervé LeRouge, CEO of Le National and Télévision-Radio Pacific, and Eric Voli Bi, head of the UNESCO office in Haiti, to understand the implications of these attacks on journalists’ capability to inform the public about the ongoing crisis.
In Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, the majority of the city is now under the control of various gangs, which has severely impacted the functioning of numerous institutions.
Aiming to Muffle the Free Press
Frantz Duval: The Haitian media has faced sustained attacks for a prolonged period. Our offices were completely vandalized just over a year ago. Additionally, there have been assaults on other media organizations such as Radio Télévision Caraïbes, Radio Mélodie, and Télé Pluriel. This is part of the broader effort by armed gangs to assert dominance over Port-au-Prince, affecting both public institutions and private entities.
Eric Voli Bi: The current situation is deeply alarming, with ongoing assaults targeting civilians, students, and journalists. These attacks seek to intimidate media personnel and obstruct their vital role in disseminating information to the public. UNESCO is urgently advocating for measures that will protect journalists and their facilities, and to create a safe environment for press freedom.
Frantz Duval: Le Nouvelliste, which has been in operation for 127 years under the same family ownership, faces a crisis of unprecedented scale. Historically, we have navigated through challenging political climates that disrupted our publication for short periods, but nothing compares to the current situation. After the earthquake in 2010, we resumed publishing within months.
Travel within Port-au-Prince has become exceedingly dangerous. Journalists who continue to report are confined to narrower areas, leading to a decline in coverage of violent clashes, as many refuse to enter these high-risk zones.
Loss of Archives and Infrastructure
Frantz Duval: Our historic offices were vandalized in March 2024, but thankfully, the editorial staff had exited prior to the attack. Unfortunately, we could not salvage our printing equipment or archives. As gangs took control of downtown Port-au-Prince, we were unable to access our building for nearly ten months. The devastation rendered our premises unusable, leaving us as a solely online news organization.
Hervé LeRouge: While my media businesses have not yet been directly targeted, my construction companies, which provide essential materials, were attacked two weeks ago. The destruction was catastrophic, culminating in the tragic loss of an employee who had been with me for fifteen years.
Severe Economic Constraints
Frantz Duval: The Haitian press operates without any subsidies or government support, relying entirely on advertising revenue, which has plummeted as local businesses struggle to survive.
Hervé LeRouge: My media outlets employ 51 individuals, but our revenue barely meets payroll. I have to rely on the profits from my other companies to sustain salaries. I consider maintaining this workforce a critical community service during these trying times.
Eric Voli Bi: The survival of the press during this difficult phase hinges on the establishment of a minimum level of security, which must come from the government.
UNESCO is collaborating with the Ministry of Communications to revitalize the state broadcaster, Radio Télévision Nationale d’Haïti, by providing necessary training and upgrading equipment. We also leverage social media to disseminate verified information while emphasizing radio communication, which remains a trusted medium, particularly in rural areas.
The Critical Nature of Reliable Information
Eric Voli Bi: Access to trustworthy information is not just beneficial but can be crucial for survival. It empowers citizens to identify safe areas, avoid peril, and make informed decisions for their protection and that of their families.
Hervé LeRouge: Our journalists are accustomed to operating in tough conditions. They continually broadcast live updates from the streets, providing essential information to the populace about safe routes and current events.
Eric Voli Bi: Armed groups are actively trying to cut off the population from reliable information and create chaos through attacks on the media. Media freedom is fundamental to uphold the public’s right to know and ensure accountability within society. It also serves as a crucial platform for diverse expressions, playing a vital role in a nation worn by violence and instability—where access to the truth can lead to healing.
Hervé LeRouge: My commitment to my homeland is unwavering. I will remain here and advocate for it, even at great personal risk.
Source
news.un.org