In the wake of the December 24, 2024 attack on the State University of Haiti Hospital (HUEH), also known as the General Hospital, which left four dead—including two journalists and one police officer—and ten others injured, the Haitian government has mobilized efforts to address the immediate needs of the victims and their families.

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Following the attack, which saw armed individuals storm the hospital, the Haitian government, led by Minister of Justice and Public Security Patrick Pelissier, swiftly set up a commission to monitor victim care in line with commitments made by Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The Commission’s goal is to ensure the well-being of the victims and their dependents while facilitating their recovery.

Actions Taken So Far

The Commission has already carried out several key actions to address the pressing needs of the victims:

1. Meeting with Victim Families: A meeting was convened with the families of the victims, during which immediate financial assistance was distributed. This aid covered urgent needs such as medical expenses, food, and other essentials, providing immediate relief to the affected families.
2. Funeral Arrangements: The Commission worked closely with the families of the deceased to ensure respectful and dignified funeral arrangements. Government funds were allocated to cover funeral costs, taking into account the wishes of the families.
3. Victim Classification: Victims have been categorized into three groups: deceased, seriously injured, and less seriously injured. This classification helps to organize both medical and financial support according to the severity of each case.
4. Identification of Beneficiaries: A thorough process was launched to gather the necessary documentation to ensure fair and equitable compensation for the families. Assistance was provided to help families complete their paperwork and expedite administrative procedures.
5. Medical Care for the Injured: The Commission has ensured that all injured victims, especially those in critical condition, received continuous medical treatment and care.
6. Regular Meetings with Authorities: The Commission has maintained regular communication with the Minister of Justice to monitor the progress of these actions, overcome obstacles, and ensure smooth coordination between all relevant parties.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

The Commission continues to focus on finalizing the support initiatives and ensuring long-term assistance for the victims:

1. Ongoing Follow-Up with Families: Continuous communication is being maintained with the families to address their concerns, keep them informed of progress, and provide reassurance during this difficult time.
2. Finalization of Beneficiary Files: Efforts are underway to complete administrative procedures, ensuring timely and fair compensation for the affected families.
3. Final Report and Recommendations: A final report detailing the actions taken and offering recommendations to improve future crisis management will soon be submitted to the Prime Minister. This report will be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Haitian government, through the Minister of Justice, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the victims of this attack. Prime Minister Ariel Henry emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to honor the memories of those lost, assist the injured in their recovery, and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.

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