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STATEMENT OF H.E. AMBASSADOR BOCCHIT EDMOND FOLLOWING THE CAPSIZING OF A BOAT CARRYING HAITIAN MIGRANTS OFF THE COAST OF THE BAHAMAS
Washington D.C., Monday, July 25, 2022. – The Embassy of Haiti in Washington is once again profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of 17 human beings who happen to be Haitian nationals, while sending its condolences to their loved ones. In these difficult times, as Haiti deals with deep-seated structural issues that tend to provoke unsafe sea voyages, the Government of Haiti solicits the support of the international community in order to address the humanitarian consequences, which have been exacerbated by rampant global inflation and the war in Ukraine. At the same time, the Embassy reiterates the call of Haitian authorities for people to avoid traveling clandestinely in rickety and unsafe boats.
Unfortunately, at this time, with more than 1,000 kilometers (808 miles) of coastline, Haiti lacks the resources to patrol its maritime zone. That’s why it is paramount to continue to work with our international partners including the US to reassess the real needs of the Haitian security forces, in this case the Haitian cost guard so they can effectively and efficiently patrol the very specific areas where the pockets of traffickers are well know.
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