Strengthening the Capacities of Government Institutions and Community-Based Organizations to Promote Social Cohesion and Inclusion while Fighting against Gangs in Haiti. 

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (GS/OAS) in coordination with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), with the financial support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, officially launched on January 20, 2022, a community violence reduction (CVR) project entitled Let’s Change Course “Ann Chanje Wout” in Haitian Creole. This project prioritizes a strong partnership with the Community Police in Cité Soleil, which is characterized by high rates of community-level violence and youth unemployment. The direct beneficiaries include youth, women, civil society organizations (CSO) and the Haitian National Police (HNP). This project aims to reduce community level violence and promote social cohesion and inclusion by working closely with community-based organizations in Cité Soleil and surrounding neighborhoods.  

The program helps reduce crime and violence in Cité Soleil by increasing community resilience against gang presence and operations. A grant of approximately US$40,000 has been awarded to 27 community-based organizations to implement community violence reduction projects.  

The project is building the capacity and practical skills of the HNP’s community policing unit to work effectively with the communities it serves to address the root causes of crime and violence and weaken gang influence.  

OAS/PADF is working to increase security by creating jobs, strengthening local leadership, and conducting development programs for sustainable employment. While these activities are underway, local security governance will be strengthened by empowering public officials and elected representatives to provide regular basic services.   

By providing support in mapping Haiti’s social protection systems through working with state institutions and local civil society, the Department of Social Inclusion and OAS Haiti National Office, aim to contribute to the holistic approach that is required to address some of the reasons that lead to violence and gang recruitment as well as the vulnerability of the people.   

Similarly, DSI/SARE has a proven record in supporting GoH agencies in their efforts to i) strengthen their capacities and ii) institutionalize their efforts across Government actions; thus, resulting in sustainable and meaningful agencies like that of the BSEIPH. The Social Charter of the Americas charts a profound path for Member States to greater equity and inclusion in their countries. Using this plan and DSI’s expertise, it is envisioned to strengthen GoH social protection policies in marginalized communities in the West Department while also reinforcing the relevant government agencies that seek to provide social protection services.