CRISIS UPDATE: 7th week of protests shutters the nation

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Protesters surrounding a burned vehicle in Les Cayes. Photo credit: Meridith Kohut. The New York Times, "There is No Hope: Crisis Pushes Haiti to Brink of Collapse," October 21, 2019.

The 7th straight week of anti-corruption protests in Haiti commenced with continued intensity. Here are the latest updates:

• Policemen in the National Police Force of Haiti (PNH) have entered the streets to protest dismal pay and treatment. >> Read more: Al Jazeera, "Two dead as hundreds of police, supporters march in Haiti"

• The U.S. Department of State issued a statement urging stakeholders to start discussing ways to resolve issues that are gridlocking the country. >> Read more: Voices of America, "US Deplores Haiti Gridlock, Urges Dialogue to Resolve Nation's Problems"

• President Moise appealed to the US government for humanitarian aid. >> Read more: Associated Press, "Haiti President requests US humanitarian aid amid protests"

• Since the first week of protests, 2 million children have remained out of school, more than 20 have been killed and over 100 injured.

At Pwoje Espwa, conditions remain the same:

• Kindergarten, primary and secondary schools are still closed.

• Children are engaged with various activities with the support of child care staff.

• We continue to preserve fuel and food reserves, as resources are still difficult to access or remain unavailable in town.

• Social workers from PES, IBESR, and CFRAPS continue to check in frequently with residential children as well as families receiving support as a part of our Family Reunification project.

• Security guards are alert and providing 24/7 security for children and staff.

We need your help as we continue to navigate the effects of this crisis. Please consider making a donation today.

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Did you miss our latest eNewsletter? Read answers to frequently asked questions we have received from you about the crisis and how it's affecting Pwoje Espwa. Read here >>

MORE HAITI IN THE NEWS:

• The New Yorker, "As protests again sweep Haiti, how can the nation move forward?"

• The Haitian Times, "US Urge Haitians to End Political and Economic Crisis"

• The Guardian, "Why people are protesting in Haiti - video report"