Violence, political instability, and widespread insecurity continue to impact all aspects of life in the country. The chaotic infrastructure, poor communication networks, transportation, and health services continue to create difficult working conditions for journalists.
In recent months, no cases of reporter murders have been recorded, but several communicators and media outlets have suffered threats and attacks.
Journalists work with minimal security measures. To protect themselves from criminal gangs, they must first assess the location's safety. Fear and stress prevail, and the mental health of journalists is a growing concern.
Despite the challenges and dangers, the press continues to fulfill its duty to inform.
In May of this year, the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (RELE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reiterated its "concern about the serious situation of journalists in Haiti, a country facing the greatest challenges to press freedom in the hemisphere." It urged the Presidential Transition Council, installed on April 25, and the OAS member states, within the framework of the UN Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, to restore democratic order and curb the violence plaguing the country. It also called for adopting "assistance mechanisms" so journalists can carry out their work safely and freely.
In April, Le Nouvelliste, founded 126 years ago, suspended the newspaper's printing after attacks on its facilities in downtown Port-au-Prince. To date, it has been the only printed newspaper in circulation. Le Nouvelliste had already reduced its print run before the attack because many subscribers had left their homes due to the crisis. The newspaper is published digitally. Its general director, Max Chauvet, warned it would close if it did not make subscriptions profitable.
Criminal groups, which pose a constant threat to the press, operate with total impunity in the face of a dysfunctional justice system. On March 25, sports journalist Nerval Pierre Viliat died from injuries sustained after being hit by a stray bullet during a shootout between police and gang members in the Delmas 19 neighborhood of the capital.
In 2023, three journalists were killed: Paul Jean Marie, Ricot Jean, and Dumesky Kersaint; in 2022, the deadliest year for the press, nine were dead: Francklin Tamar, Fritz Dorilas, Romelo Vilsaint, Wilguens Louissaint, Garry Tess, Frantzsen Charles, Tayson Lartigue, Maxihen Lazarre, and Amady John Wesley.
