Unitarian Universalist Service Committee in Haiti

After UUSC provided immediate emergency funding for recovery from the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti’s southwestern region in August, we began a months-long process listening to civil society organizations about their long-term needs.

Understanding the people of Haiti continue to face many deep-rooted injustices that stretch far beyond this recent crisis, we have established several new long-term partnerships in the region. These groups are working toward durable, systemic solutions for the country that are community-driven and respect the people’s right to self-determination.

Grassroots Leadership

We have chosen to work in solidarity with partners whose rights-centered approaches align with UUSC’s core initiatives, and we look forward to creating deep and meaningful relationships with groups on the ground to achieve greater justice for Haitians in the year to come.

  • Groupe d’Appui aux Rapatriés et Refugiés/Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) is currently working with Haitian deportees from the U.S. to document their stories and testimonies and to provide them with resources for their journey to freedom and safety.
  • Solidarite Fanm Ayisyen/Haitian Women’s Solidarity (SOFA) is a national women’s organization focused on women’s right to health, the fight against gender-based violence, the promotion of the participation of women in decision-making, and stopping the increase of poverty affecting women.
  • ​​​​​​Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organization (POHDH) is a national coalition consisting of nine of Haiti’s foremost human rights groups that trains people at the grassroots level to work within their communities for human rights, and to monitor and document human rights abuses.
  • Ayibo Post is a Haitian investigative journalism organization that publicizes vital news about health crises, government policy, and more to keep Haitian citizens informed.

International Advocacy

In addition, UUSC is working with advocacy allies in the United States to support the work of the Commission for Haitian Solution to the Crisis, advancing the Montana Agreement, an initiative to protect the rights of Haitians in shaping their own democracy. As a part of our advocacy against the Biden administration’s Title 42 policy, UUSC has been assisting Haitians seeking asylum at the U.S. border to submit their parole applications and connect with potential sponsors.

These types of long-term support for Haiti’s efforts to rebuild their nation involve supporting their political autonomy, bolstering grassroots movements, and ensuring that aid gets to Haitians who are most directly affected by injustice.

Thank you for your contributions to our work and the solidarity you show for the people of Haiti.

 

Sincerely,

Salote Soqo
Director of Advocacy, Global Displacement
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee