#3: Melissa Verpile aus Haiti

In the latest episode of Vienna Calling, host Petra Bayr
discusses the dire situation in Haiti with guest Melissa Verpile,
a lawyer and international law expert at the NGO Parliamentarians
for Global Action. Melissa provides a comprehensive overview of
Haiti's tumultuous history, highlighting factors such as
political instability, natural disasters, corruption, and a lack
of leadership that have contributed to the current crisis. She
explains how historical events like the forced payment to France
for independence and the brutal dictatorship of the Duvalier
regime have left lasting scars on the country. Melissa delves
into the recent events leading to the current situation in Haiti,
including the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse and
the rise of gangs controlling significant parts of the capital,
Port-au-Prince. She describes the rampant violence, kidnappings,
and sexual assaults perpetrated by these gangs, causing immense
fear and suffering among the population. The lack of functioning
institutions and widespread impunity further exacerbate the
humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The conversation shifts to
international efforts to mediate the crisis, with organizations
like CARICOM and the United States leading mediation efforts.
Melissa discusses the challenges and uncertainties surrounding
the formation of a transitional government and the potential for
future elections in Haiti. Despite external interventions,
Melissa emphasizes the importance of Haitians taking the lead in
finding a sustainable solution to restore democracy and
governance in the country. As the episode wraps up, Petra and
Melissa express solidarity with the people of Haiti and
underscore the urgent need to support efforts to bring stability
and justice to the nation. The conversation serves as a poignant
reminder of the hardships faced by the Haitian population and the
collective responsibility to advocate for their rights and
well-being.