2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

UNCLAS PORT AU PRINCE 000041 DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/WHA, DS/OSAC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER SUBJECT: 2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT REF: 08 STATE 132056 ¶1. (U) Below is the 2008 OSAC Annual Report on Crime and Safety for Haiti. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security rates Port-au-Prince as CRITICAL for crime and political violence, due to the potential for these types of incidents. Haiti is unique in the Caribbean for its lack of tourism, development, and infrastructure. Thus, traditional tourist-oriented crimes such as pick pocketing and purse snatching remain less common than in neighboring Dominican Republic, Jamaica and other countries in the region. Another anomaly is that despite grinding poverty, inadequate policing, and lax gun laws, some studies have shown Haiti to have a lower homicide rate than many of its neighbors in the Caribbean and Latin America. There are an estimated 35,000 American citizens in Haiti, mostly of Haitian descent. The most frequently reported crimes against Americans in Port-au-Prince are carjackings, kidnappings, and robberies. Home invasions also remain a problem. While the overall number of reported incidents more than doubled in 2008, compared to 2007 statistics, much of this is likely the result of increased incident reporting by victims. For example, the roughly 1300% increase in reported thefts did not appear to correlate with a drastic increase in thefts, but rather with a dramatic increase in reporting. Kidnappings, carjackings and home invasions remain the key criminal activities and concerns for Haitians and Americans alike in the Port-au-Prince area, where most of these criminal acts continue to be perpetrated by organized (or quasi-organized) armed criminal gangs. Serious crime in Haiti's provincial towns and in rural areas is relatively rare. OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION FOR 2008 SECURITY: THE FIGHT AGAINST GANGS AND CRIME In 2007 there was a three-month long offensive by the UN peacekeeping forces (MINUSTAH) to take back control of Cite Soleil, the lawless, gang-controlled slum area that had in recent years become the base of operations for many of the most notorious and active criminal gangs in Haiti. By March 2007, MINUSTAH forces had successfully reclaimed most of Cite Soleil -- and had arrested or killed several of the key gang leaders. Those that were not caught fled to other parts of Port-au-Prince or out into rural parts of Haiti, where some were able to partially re-group and continue their criminal enterprises. The overall result of the Cite Soleil offensive was an almost immediate drop in the number of kidnapping incidents throughout Port-au-Prince. However the scattering of the once centralized criminal gangs resulted in a much less predictable pattern of activity. The number of home invasion related kidnappings in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince increased, as did the number of kidnappings and robberies along major streets in other, previously safer areas of Port-au-Prince. Also, at least in some cases, the victims of these gang activities were treated more violently, being beaten, raped and even killed at a rate higher than had been experienced before the U.N. offensive. This increased violence was a result of several factors, including 1) the vacuum left after the key gang "overlords," who regulated the kidnapping industry were removed by MINUSTAH, and 2) the reduction in safe house areas for gangsters to operate unfettered. The result was the emergence of a less professional, more decentralized gang structure, whose modus operandi was cavalier, reckless and less threatened by security personnel, and whose members were more likely to become panicked and respond violently than they would have as part of a more organized gang structure. During 2008, it became apparent that some of gang members had effectively regrouped. One of the more notable groups appeared to be using safe-houses in middle and upper Delmas. However this group, that the media had nicknamed 'The Untouchables', suffered the arrest of two members and the loss of a safehouse in the Delmas area in late 2008, in what is seen as a significant victory by local law enforcement authorities. However, this has not halted the gang's activities and they are still deemed a viable threat. A related issue is the number of gangsters who have been let out of jail in 2008. While at least some are believed to have been released due to arrangements with corrupt judges, many were released simply because of inadequate evidence (many cases were dependent on testimony of witnesses who are too afraid to step forward) and/or due to poorly assembled criminal cases. Many of the cases involving arrests of gangsters by UN forces ran into legal questions, since the UN is not a police entity with jurisdiction in criminal cases. As a solution to this issue, MINUSTAH forces in known gang areas began patrolling with a small number of HNP officers whose job it is to make a formal, legal arrest of gangsters and other criminals encountered during UN patrols. During December 2008 MINUSTAH also stepped up joint operations with HNP around other key areas of instability in Port-au-Prince, with the intention of restricting gang movements and increasing public confidence. Only seven kidnappings were reported in December 2008; however it is too early to determine whether or not this operation will have a lasting effect. ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT OF HAITIAN NATIONAL POLICE (HNP) The HNP graduated academy classes in December 2006 (567 graduates) and another in the November 2007 (627 graduates), however no academy classes graduated during 2008. While still modest compared to the estimates needed to effectively cover Haiti, these additions to the HNP over the last couple of years have greatly enhanced police coverage within Port-au-Prince proper, where almost the entire new police staff was deployed. The noticeable increase in HNP presence around Port-au-Prince since late 2006 has been noteworthy. For instance, in response to the increase in decentralized gang activity after MINUSTAH's Cite Soleil offensive in 2007, HNP was able to erect vehicle checkpoints throughout the city, whereby they were able to conduct vehicle stops and inspections of suspicious vehicles or persons. Towards the end of 2007 these checkpoints greatly gave way to static police posts on the corners of major intersections and along major routes throughout Port-au-Prince, and this has continued through 2008. (Random HNP checkpoints continue as threat levels and crime patterns dictate.) Bolstered traffic units, with newly deployed motorcycles, trucks and all-terrain-vehicles, have also provided an added response capability and has assisted in a wider disbursement of HNP mobile officers throughout the capital. OVERALL CRIME REPORTING STATISTICS A comparative analysis of figures from various police/security entities operating throughout Haiti reflects a continuation of the trend in which reported incidents of crimes are grossly inaccurate and under-reported. The under reporting is due to a lack of adequate police presence and response capability. By way of example, as a country of approximately 8.5 million people, the HNP currently has only about 9,000 officers total, approximately two-thirds of whom are deployed in the capital (Port-au-Prince has approximately two million residents). Due to this deficiency, many communities throughout Haiti simply do not have means to report crimes, but most experts agree that there isn't much crime to report in provincial towns and rural areas. In addition those crimes that are reported are not adequately documented in any sort of standardized reporting format. On a more positive note, nearly five-thousand arrest warrants were executed during 2008. In addition, some studies have shown increased confidence and respect for HNP, higher than many other Government of Haiti institutions. As previously stated, the overall number of reported incidents more than doubled in 2008, compared to 2007 statistics, and this increase did not appear to correlate with a drastic increase in crime, but rather with increased in reporting by the victims. Some experts feel that this increase in reporting is due to greater confidence in the HNP by the local population. KIDNAPPINGS U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti are reminded that greater Port-au-Prince remains a leading venue for criminal kidnappings of Americans, and it is still rated among the kidnapping capitals of the world. Most kidnappings since 2004 continue to be criminal in nature, as opposed to political, and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender or age; all persons who are perceived to have wealth or some family connections with assets, both in Haiti and abroad, are vulnerable. The breakdown in reported kidnapping victims from 2008 is spread fairly evenly among men, women, and children. While most cases were resolved through the payment of ransom, some kidnappings in 2008 were marked by physical or sexual assaults, and/or death. Kidnapping trends in Haiti during 2008 varied greatly during the calendar year, and the frequency of kidnapping decreased significantly during the last quarter, after Haiti was wracked by four sequential hurricanes and tropical storms. The recent decentralization of the kidnapping gangs had both a positive and some complicating effects. While total instances of kidnappings dropped substantially over the last two years, the patterns became less predictable and areas of victimization became more widespread, creating a new set of challenges for police and security elements. The sharp decrease that occurred towards the end of 2008 is encouraging; however it is too early to tell if this is a long-term trend. The U.S. Consulate reports that 26 Americans were kidnapped in 2008 (as opposed to 29 Americans in 2007 and over 60 in 2006) with a total number of reported kidnappings in Haiti to be 309 (as opposed to 293 in 2007 and approximately 540 in 2006). As stated above, due to substantial under-reporting, the actual number of kidnappings cannot be precisely defined, but is likely to be somewhat higher than actually reported. 322 kidnapping arrests were made in 2008. SHOOTINGS The prevalence of guns in Haiti remains a key security concern, as disarmament efforts, such as the UN's DDR program and the GOH's CNDDR program, have yielded only modest results over the past few years. Random gunfire, while down from 2006 and 2007, is still reported around Port-au-Prince, with sporadic reports of injury or death resulting from stray bullets. Robbery related shootings have continued during 2008, including a continuation of incidents in the more affluent outlying Port-au-Prince neighborhoods such as Petionville. This issue, as with other types of crime, is likely due to the scattering of gangsters displaced by the UN takeover over Cite Soleil. Robberies resulting in shootings have almost all occurred when the victim resisted their assailants. MURDERS AND LYNCHINGS There were 424 reported murders in 2008, and 70 reported lynchings. It should be noted that the UN defines lynching as any form of extra-judicial execution - not soley hangings - carried out by vigilantes. Vigilante justice has long been practiced in Haiti, particularly in those areas lacking police presence. PERSONAL ROBBERIES Armed and/or strong-arm robberies against motorists and pedestrians remains a concern, however reports of simple robberies against foreigners over the past year remain relatively low. During 2008 there was a continuation of armed robbery of pedestrians, "tap-tap" (unofficial public transportation) passengers, and motorists in many areas of Port-au-Prince and its suburbs, including more affluent Petionville. As a result of the increase of incidents in Petionville, HNP further increased police presence in the area and reports of armed robberies in the area again declined. RESIDENTIAL THEFT Residential theft (burglaries/ home invasions) trends over the past couple of years have suggested a decline in traditional criminal burglary and a rise in robbery/kidnapping. In Port-au-Prince particularly, almost all home invasions were conducted for the dual purpose of kidnapping and robbery, where in the past the focus was principally on robbery. Throughout 2008, as with other crimes, there was a continuation of home invasions in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince. There were several reported incidents involving armed men forcing entry into homes in the middle of the night. In many cases, evidence suggested that the houses targeted were selected for lacking security, and that the targets were surveilled in advance of the invasion. In some instances, it is believed the domestic staff was paid to aid in the facilitation of the invasions. VEHICLE THEFT Vehicle thefts in Haiti remain a serious problem in many areas, however they continue to be more commonly committed in conjunction with kidnappings/carjackings. With a substantially greater police presence in 2008 it is possible that the overall figures for vehicle thefts were much lower than might have otherwise been expected in previous years. SECURITY IMPACT ON DRIVING AND TRAVEL Roads around Cite Soleil, primarily Route National #1 and #9 are safer, but should still be considered dangerous areas and travel should be avoided. Care should also be used when traveling around Carrefour, particularly along Route National #2 through Martissant, as well as travel in the vicinity of Cite Militaire, and along La Saline Boulevard (Port Road) due to continuing concerns of criminal activity and proximity to known gang areas. Towards the last quarter of 2007 incidents of armed carjackings and kidnappings along Route de Frere increased dramatically, and though they declined in 2008, drivers are cautioned to avoid stopping along any portion of the road, especially during night time hours. In addition to the above recommendations, it is important to note that general vigilance should be used at all times on all roads in Haiti, as there is no area that should be considered immune to crime. SAFETY THREATS ROAD CONDITIONS IN HAITI Driving in Haiti requires extreme caution, particularly in the evening hours. Road conditions inside and outside the major cities are extremely poor. Very few roads in Haiti are paved and of the ones that are paved, generally are in a state of disrepair. A majority of the roads outside of the main cities are either topped with gravel or are poorly maintained dirt roads. Currently, there are a few road improvement projects underway, and though conditions have improved over the last few years, roadways remain hazardous. Traffic rules and courtesies are not observed or enforced in Haiti, and traffic within Port-au-Prince is often gridlocked. While piles of trash in the streets and missing manhole covers are increasingly less common than in recent years, those that persist continue to add with the ever-existent gaping ditches and pot holes, pedestrians, and small animals to further adversely impact traffic. Driving in downtown Port-au-Prince requires particular caution and fulltime attention. Vendors have taken over the sidewalks and in some cases much of the roadway, so the only way for a pedestrian to pass down any given street is by walking in the street. During 2007 several solar-powered stop lights were installed throughout Port-au-Prince to aid in traffic control, with some positive results, and they have largely remained operational throughout 2008. Still, the ever-increasing volume of vehicles within Port-au-Prince makes such additions limited in their positive effect. In rural or mountainous areas, drivers should expect a lack of adequate guard rails, few traffic signs or road markings and little to no road lighting. Several bridges and portions of roadway were completely washed away during the hurricane season in 2008, and many have not yet been repaired. Drivers should use caution when driving around bends, as it is common for locals coming the other direction to pass slower vehicles or otherwise drive in the middle of the road, even around blind turns. People traveling outside of Port-au-Prince should do so during daylight hours if possible, and in tandem with one or more other vehicles due to both the security situation and road conditions. While carjackings, assaults and armed robberies are not uncommon in many urban areas, they are less common in the countryside. Drivers should be conscious that accidents in general can draw angry and potentially violent crowds in a very short period of time and it is recommended that anyone involved in an accident proceed directly to a safe place (e.g. police station) to resolve the situation. Remaining at the scene of an accident is considered to be a hazard to one's health and well-being. Drivers should also take note of added safety risks during the rainy season (April through November),when roadways can become impassable quickly, thus creating a hazardous condition for the traveler. The mountainous areas pose even greater challenges to road travel due to weather conditions frequently involving rain and foggy conditions. The narrow, unpaved roads are also blocked by muddy surface conditions, causing unsafe driving conditions. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The local transport known as "tap taps" are the primary form of public transportation for most Haitians. The use of these public tap taps by westerners should be considered dangerous, however, as robberies and accidents are common. NATURAL DISASTERS Haiti, like most Caribbean countries, can be affected by hurricanes and other storms. Hurricane season runs from approximately June 1 - November 30 each year. Driving during these times should be considered extremely risky. Due to severe deforestation of the mountains even modest rains can cause flash flooding and other life-threatening hazards. During 2008 Haiti was adversely affected by four severe tropical storms and hurricanes that resulted in severe flooding and washed out roads in many areas. Approximately 800 deaths were reported in conjunction with these storms, primarily in Gonaives in the Artibonite department, and along the southern shores. The storm damage is estimated by the World Bank to be one billion USD. Earthquakes, while much less common in occurrence than hurricanes, have affected Haiti intermittently over the years. Because Haiti is located directly over two separate fault lines, a significant seismic event, such as the one that occurred last in 1842 (approximately 5,000 killed) would likely cause moderate to catastrophic damage in some areas of Haiti, predominantly the built up urban areas. Due to the length of time that has passed since the last major earthquake, some experts feel that Haiti might be due for a major one soon. POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS While most people in Haiti are friendly and peaceful, travelers to Haiti are reminded of the potential for spontaneous protests and public demonstrations, especially in Port-au-Prince, which can occur at any time, day or night, and may result in violence. American citizens are advised to take common sense precautions and avoid any event where crowds may congregate. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including carjacking and assault. Kidnapping for ransom also remains a serious threat. Americans traveling in Haiti should also take special care and attention to ensure they do not become stranded in remote regions or accidentally enter certain area deemed unsafe, especially within Port-au-Prince. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Medical services in Haiti are below US standards. Emergency medical care, while available in Port-au-Prince, is virtually non-existent outside the city. The Embassy uses the CDTI Hospital (tel 2244-7200) and the Hospital du Canape Vert (tel 2244-1052 or 2244-1053) for emergency care. However, due to limited availability of many types of specialists, it is recommended that those visiting Port-au-Prince carry medical evacuation insurance. AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES There are several air ambulance companies based in the United States that service Haiti - National Air Ambulance (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 1-800-327-3710, Air Ambulance Networks 1-800-327-1966, Air Ambulance Professionals 1-800-752-4195. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. Additional Health Information: CDC International Traveler's hotline - (404) 332-4559, http://www.cdc.gov. For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International, (206) 340-6000. Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S): AEA International, (800) 752-4195. REFERENCE INFORMATION FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON HAITI OR FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM PLEASE REFER TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT'S "COUNTRY BACKGROUND NOTES," "CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET," AND "TRAVEL WARNING INFORMATION" LOCATED ON THE STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE (WWW.STATE.GOV). OSAC HAITI COUNTRY COUNCIL There is an active OSAC Country Council in Haiti. All U.S. private sector organizations active in Haiti are encouraged to attend meetings. For more information, please contact the Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, or visit http://portauprince.osac.org. CONTACT INFORMATION FOR US EMBASSY Regional Security Office: 2229-8061 Consular Section: 2229-8000 Marine Security Guard: 2229-8122 American citizens are strongly encouraged to register at the American Citizens Services section at the Consulate, located at Tabarre #41, Tabarre, Haiti. SANDERSON