Haiti

150 Haitian soldiers returned from an 8-week training in Mexico; they are part of the first group of 700, including special operations units, that will join the fight against gangs as violence spreads beyond the capital and surrounding areas

Over 50 people were killed in the rural fishing community Labodrie, human rights groups confirmed as national and international actors condemned the atrocity and urged action against Haiti’s gangs; victims included women, children and the elderly

The Organization of American States met in Washington DC, USA, to present a roadmap to end the gang violence Haiti endured over four years; the Holy See reiterated the Church’s closeness to the people, reaffirming its constant support for peace efforts

National Road 6, a key link to the Northeast and the border with Dominican Republic, one of Haiti’s most dangerous roads for its poor conditions, claimed other 3 this month; families highlight the need of investment on infrastructure and driving training

A press release on key contract involving Haiti's biggest port and two elite members was allegedly published without the consent of council's leader, deepening fracture government-private sector as a wealthy businessman is taking over presidency on 15 Aug

Thousands of worshippers honor the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and the Vodou goddess Erzulie at a Port-au-Prince church in their annual pilgrimage this year, forcedly far from the sacred waterfall in Saut-d’Eau, as the site fell under gang control

Street vendors sell near piles of trash at the outdoor market in Lòtbò Pon, Cap-Haïtien, while authorities aim at closing it down due to unsanitary conditions; merchants continue to sell there, citing a lack of alternatives and the need to survive

Sunrise Airways has resumed domestic flights, but continued to charge sky-high fares despite $11M aid from Haitian government; residents feel exploited as the high ticket price saga continues and reinforce their demands for market competition

The “Bay lanmou, resevwa lanmou” initiative - Creole for Give love, receive love -, led by singer Maudeline Dérival, has offered beauty care, on Haitian Mother’s Day, to mothers who have fled violence in Haiti to live in refugee camps

New medical workers will be recruited amid staff protests; despite years-long pay delays, hospital shutdowns and a lack of adequate equipment, Haiti moves to hire 430 nurses and 300 doctors in underserved areas

Six adopted children have safely flown home with their new US families through private rescue efforts, while many others remain stranded in Haiti amid an adoption crisis, worsening violence and a lack of support from government authorities

Reggae artist Adras Jean-Baptiste, known as GBX, died at 39 at his home in Anse-à-Foleur after battling an illness for months; his music tackled insecurity, poverty and prejudice, helped shape Haiti’s reggae scene, was one of the voices of social truth