Six months after the earthquake in Haiti, more than one million survivors continue to live in appalling conditions, with inadequate sanitation, limited access to basic services, insecurity and constant food shortages according to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

The international aid agency's press release dated July, 12, reads: "It is time the Haitian government, international community and UN agencies take concrete steps to address the protection, food security, education, sanitation and other needs of the most vulnerable populations, including those living in unofficial camps".

Conditions in the nearly 1,400 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps around the capital, Port-au-Prince, are extremely critical. The case of the largest IDP camp, Automeca, with a population of 11,000, is typical: residents continue to live in shacks held together with rags and poles. There are no schools, nor is there electricity; sanitation is poor, the water barely drinkable and drainage, to say the least, is hazardous. When heavy rain falls, garbage flows through the camp.

"I have visited refugee and IDP camps throughout the world, but I must say I was shocked by the appalling conditions in Automeca and other camps. It is a national and international disgrace. Nearly everyone we spoke to complained of the lack of food and other basic essentials," says JRS USA Director Fr. Ken Gavin, SJ.

Children play near a garbage mound in one of the camps for people displaced by the earthquake
Shaina Aber – Jesuit Refugee Service/USA

"It is essential the international donor community release the funds promised for Haiti without restrictions and facilitate the involvement of Haitian political and civil society groups in tackling the humanitarian crisis and initiating reconstruction in the country," adds JRS Haiti Director Fr. Wismith Lazard, SJ.

While many international agencies claim that virtually all survivors have been reached with aid, many have received less than three deliveries of food according to the JRS. For instance, the UN World Food Programme did not make any food deliveries to Automeca between March and June. Food distributions are halted too early without assessing the impact on the most vulnerable groups. While JRS recognises the need to kick-start the local economy, measures need to be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Even though Haiti suffered from high levels of insecurity prior to the earthquake, the situation has deteriorated drastically since January. Increased insecurity, particularly in camps which frequently lack electricity and lighting at night, poses a particular threat to women and children. At a meeting with JRS Haiti on June 20, seven IDP camp leaders highlighted numerous concerns, including the high incidence of violence and exploitation perpetrated against girls aged 11 to 15 – forced to exchange sex for food – and the deteriorating health of camp residents.

Moreover, the situation in unofficial camps is even worse. Throughout the city, unofficial camp residents receive little or no care from large aid organisations or international co-ordinating bodies; many have even been told to leave the camps but have not been provided with alternative housing.

"JRS welcomes the moratorium on forced evictions issued by the Haitian government. Unfortunately, pressure from landowners on IDPs to evacuate the sites continues. The government needs to use its authority to protect camp residents from this kind of harassment, and put more effort into identifying suitable shelter," continues Fr. Lazard.

For many years, JRS has had a grassroots presence in Haiti and has provided humanitarian assistance to displaced Haitians in both the Dominican Republic and along the Haitian border. In addition, JRS has responded to the needs of Haitians following successive natural disasters, a food crisis, and repeated hurricanes.

JRS Haiti is focusing its current relief efforts in the Port-au-Prince area, working in seven camps that serve the needs of more than 21,000 displaced people in and around the capital, providing emergency assistance, psychosocial support, and training to community leaders to manage camps and civil society organisations.

Text and image courtesy of Jesuit Refugee Service