“We are living in constant survival mode, counting each day we make it to see the next. It’s an ongoing battle.”
A Mother’s Perspective from Port-au-Prince, Haiti
My name is Yara, a 34-year-old mother of two toddler boys living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
The Journey to Port-au-Prince: A Mother’s Warning
It feels like yesterday when I left my hometown to continue my studies in Port-au-Prince. Seventeen years ago, the night before I left, my mother pulled me aside with eyes full of anxiety and fear and said, “Potoprens se tè glise, veye kote w ap mete pye w” (Port-au-Prince is treacherous ground, be careful where you step).
Seeking Opportunities in a Dangerous City
Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, has long been known as the most insecure part of the country. Yet, most of the population seeking better opportunities or higher education must move there, clinging to the hope of creating a better life.
The Lost Freedom: Changes Over the Past Five Years
Recently, I was reminiscing with friends about how we used to go about our days without worrying about every step we took. Just five years ago, I could pack my car and drive to the countryside to visit loved ones. Now, we are only a few miles apart, yet it feels impossible to see one another due to the risks and dangers we face when travelling within the country.
Trapped in an Open-Air Prison
Port-au-Prince has become an open-air prison. Each of us, still here, is barricaded in our own homes, our own neighbourhoods. The only reason to venture into the streets is for food, water, or medical supplies. Before stepping out, I always think the same thing: there’s a chance I won’t come back alive. I wonder if it will be the last time I see my sons. The fear of being kidnapped looms constantly—especially as a woman in this environment, imagining the unimaginable horrors I could face.
The Growing Threat: Gang Control and Displacement
Gangs now control more than 70% of Port-au-Prince. Over 300,000 people are internally displaced, with many more fleeing the country. Schools have turned into refugee camps, and hospitals are overwhelmed. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened risks. Those still in their homes keep a backpack packed with essentials, ready to flee at a moment’s notice when the terrorists strike.
Choosing to Stay: Commitment to Our Country
Yet, not all of us can leave. And not all of us want to leave.
It’s a matter of life or death, but some of us believe Haiti still needs us. The situation won’t change overnight, but if we are better prepared, with the right tools to help us navigate daily life more securely, perhaps our life expectancy can extend beyond 24 hours.
The Need for Resources and Community Support
We are trying to organize ourselves as communities, but we lack the resources. What we need most is access to critical information—information that can strengthen our security and launch life-saving assistance.
Believing in a Safer Future
We must believe that a safer future is possible.