Why the United States should help Haiti

OPINION:

In response to Tom Cotton’s recent FoxNews.com op-ed, it is imperative to address the complex nexus of moral obligations, strategic interests and potential benefits that underpin the United States’ involvement in Haiti. From humanitarian crises to geopolitical ramifications, Haiti’s challenges demand a robust American response.

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Considering our historical ties and proximity to Haiti, the United States stands as a beacon of hope in alleviating immediate suffering and fostering long-term stability. Beyond mere altruism, bolstering aid to Haiti aligns with broader U.S. interests, spanning regional security, economic prosperity and the promotion of democratic values. Herein, we delve into the multifaceted rationale behind why the United States should bolster its aid and engagement with Haiti, drawn from various analytical perspectives and empirical evidence.

Humanitarian concerns

Haiti’s protracted humanitarian crises, characterized by widespread poverty, political instability and vulnerability to natural disasters, underscore an urgent need for comprehensive international support. The United States, by virtue of its proximity and historical involvement in Haiti, is uniquely positioned to lead these humanitarian efforts. Such endeavors not only alleviate immediate suffering but also contribute to long-term stability and development in Haiti.

Geopolitical and security interests

The stability of Haiti is intrinsically linked to broader regional security and U.S. geopolitical interests. Political instability and economic despair in Haiti have direct repercussions on migration patterns, with significant numbers of Haitians seeking refuge or economic opportunities in the United States. By investing in Haiti’s stability and development, the U.S. can address root causes of irregular migration and mitigate associated security concerns.

Economic interests

Engagement with Haiti presents both altruistic and strategic economic interests for the United States. On one end, aid and development projects contribute to economic upliftment in Haiti, creating a more stable and prosperous neighboring market. Harmoniously, a stable Haiti offers economic opportunities for U.S. businesses in terms of trade and investment. The potential for mutual economic benefit strengthens the case for enhanced U.S. involvement.

Promotion of democratic values

The United States has long championed the promotion of democracy and human rights as cornerstones of its foreign policy. In Haiti, where democratic institutions are fragile and human rights concerns are prevalent, the U.S. has a pivotal role to play. Supporting Haiti’s journey towards stable governance and respect for human rights aligns with U.S. values and reinforces its global leadership position.

Calling the United States to Action

Calling upon the United States to take decisive action is not just a matter of moral obligation but also a recognition of our own principles. Just as we have demonstrated unwavering support for human rights elsewhere, such as in Israel, we must extend that same commitment to the people of Haiti. Instead of resigning ourselves to a sense of hopelessness, we must advocate tirelessly for Haiti’s cause, imploring our leaders to enact meaningful change, specifically through the following actions:

1. Increase aid and development funding: The U.S. should boost its financial assistance to Haiti, focusing on both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development projects, aiming to strengthen Haiti’s infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic sectors. Development funding must be focused on infrastructure improvement to foster broad support for the expansion of the middle-income sector of the population.

2. Support political stability and governance: U.S. engagement should include diplomatic efforts to support political dialogue and reconciliation in Haiti, aiming to create a more stable and effective governance framework. Haiti, in its present state, is ripe for radicalization or takeover from a foreign unfriendly country. This represents a national security emergency for the United States.

3. Foster economic development and trade: By incentivizing U.S. investment in Haiti and supporting Haitian economic reforms, the U.S. can help create jobs, reduce poverty and build a more sustainable economic future for Haiti.

4. Humanitarian and disaster response: The U.S. should remain at the forefront of international disaster response efforts in Haiti, providing timely aid in the aftermath of natural disasters and building local capacities for disaster resilience. Presently, because of the overwhelming violence, Haiti is unable to self-correct. Without foreign intervention, it will become another Libya.

5. Promote human rights and democracy: U.S. policy should prioritize the support of human rights and democratic institutions in Haiti, including judicial reforms, strengthening of civil society and support for free and fair elections.

In light of the multifaceted rationale outlined, it becomes abundantly clear that the United States must continue to help Haiti, guided by both moral imperatives and strategic considerations. While past challenges in foreign aid toward Haiti may have tempered optimism, they should not serve as grounds for abandonment. Rather, they should fuel a renewed commitment to refining our approach, ensuring that assistance is effective, impactful and sustainable over time.

By adopting a comprehensive strategy that addresses the diverse dimensions of Haiti’s needs — humanitarian, economic, educational and political — the U.S. can wield its influence to catalyze positive change. Such engagement not only fulfills our moral obligation to assist those in need but also serves to advance U.S. broader interests in regional stability, economic prosperity and the promotion of democracy. Ultimately, our commitment to Haiti underscores not only a notable capacity for justice, but also our ability to spearhead actions of resilience and excellence for underprivileged nations.

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David Vanderpool, MD, is a surgeon who leads the international faith-based nonprofit, LiveBeyond.  He provided emergency medical response in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010, and since then returned full time to establish a compound providing clean water, nutritional support and healthcare to the poor of Thomazeau, Haiti (currently run by Haitian staff with remote oversight).