<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening?</h2>

If you lived in HaitiA country in the Caribbean Sea, that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, you might wake up to the sound of gunfire.

Thousands of prisoners and armed gangs are on the loose, roaming the streets, following the assassinationThe murder of an important person, such as a politician, royal or business leader. of the president in 2021.

In 2023, almost 4,000 people were killed in gang-related violence. More than 300,000 people have been forced out of their homes.

The situation shows no signs of slowing down. At least 12 people died on Tuesday after gunmen stormed two wealthy neighbourhoods in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.

In the early 19th Century, Haiti became the first independentBeing able to make free choices without relying on or being controlled by someone else. CaribbeanThe region made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands, including the West Indies. state after it broke free from French colonialWhen a region or country is controlled politically by another. rule. But freedom did not come cheap. France demanded that Haiti pay reparationsProviding payment to make amends for a wrongdoing. until 1947.What can be done to tackle this crisis?

To some, the answer could not be more obvious. For more than 120 years, Haiti was forced to pay huge sums of money to France.^. Perhaps France could return this money?

Some have called for an international security force to restore order. However, critics worry that this might be seen as a modern version of colonialism.

Is there a solution?

Yes! The only answer is for modern reparationsProviding payment to make amends for a wrongdoing. from France and the US to make up for injusticesTimes of unfairness, or when someone's rights have been violated. in the past.

No! There is be no easy answer. Neither money nor humanitarian aidHelp given to countries that are struggling or in crisis - such as food or medical equipment. would be enough, since money will go into the hands of a corrupt government, and aid will be stolen by the country's many armed groups.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more</h2>

Haiti - A country in the Caribbean Sea, that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic

Assassination - The murder of an important person, such as a politician, royal or business leader.

Independent - Being able to make free choices without relying on or being controlled by someone else.

Caribbean - The region made up of the Caribbean Sea and its islands, including the West Indies.

Colonial - When a region or country is controlled politically by another.

Reparations - Providing payment to make amends for a wrongdoing.

Injustices - Times of unfairness, or when someone's rights have been violated.

Humanitarian aid - Help given to countries that are struggling or in crisis - such as food or medical equipment.