Security Overview for Haiti

Before the catastrophic earthquake felled the country, Haiti had been undergoing tremendous political and social upheaval since the summer of 2003, when months of violent political protests culminated with the ouster of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide on Feb. 29, 2004. Since President Rene Preval's election in February 2006, the political situation had improved in Haiti, but the security situation was still extremely unstable. It remains so today.

With Aristide's departure, a multinational force under the UN's MINUSTAH mission arrived in June of 2004 to attempt to restore order to Haiti. MINUSTAH's mandate was to ensure that the government had sufficient security to foster democracy. Election periods in Haiti are usually very volatile, with a high rate of political violence and intimidation. Presidential and legislative elections were to be held in 2010, but were postponed following the quake. In April of 2011, Michel Martelly was elected president and Garry Conille as prime minister, though Conille resigned in February of 2012 amid political infighting.

Security forces disbanded many criminal gangs, especially in the capital. Despite these security improvements, U.N. and local security forces remained insufficient to provide adequate security. It remains unclear what effect the influx of yet more international forces to Haiti following the quake will have, but already the National Police Force has taken on a more robust role in local policing. The head of the UN mission to Haiti was killed in the quake and its headquarters (the former Christopher hotel) largely destroyed, but the overall mission goes on. International donors are finalizing plans to donate billions to Haiti's recovery effort.

Visitors or expatriates in the country should exercise extreme caution. Haiti has no absolutely safe areas; all travel should be well planned with consideration taken for adequate security measures. Foreigners often become the targets of petty theft and sometimes more violent crimes, including kidnapping. Criminals are usually armed and will not hesitate to use force. Avoid traveling alone at all costs; travel only during the day if possible.

The most secure mode of transportation in Haiti is a private car with a professionally trained security driver. Limit all road travel to daylight hours. Carjacking is endemic and often violent. Strictly avoid public transportation, as buses or "tap taps" are sometimes hijacked and their passengers robbed. If a private car and driver is not available and travel is unavoidable, only use taxis hired through a hotel or some other trusted source. In all large cities, expect roadblocks and checkpoints manned by international peacekeepers, Haitian police or even criminals. At roadblocks, authorities may request identification and search your vehicle.

Several foreigners have been targets of violence and kidnappings since the earthquake, notably the head of Catholic charity Caritas in Fort Liberte (later released along with an engineer also seized), and two Europeans employed by Medecins Sans Frontieres in Petionville (also later released). A Belgian businessman was also seized near Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in late March of 2010; he was released after a significant ransom payment. Recent trends have shown a decrease in kidnappings, but caution should be maintained at all times.

Drug trafficking remains a source of great violence in Haiti.

Copyright © 2011 iJET International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.