Opinion

A messy situation in Haiti cries for international help

Democracy and development has become a frequently discussed topic since the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan over the last few years. Goals for establishing democracy and reconstructing these former totalitarian societies have been at the center of foreign policy within the international community. But the criteria needed to accomplish such goals have been vague — as evident from the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, which seem to have backfired and resulted in violence on a massive scale. Latin America, however, has faced this issue for decades. And this debate directly governs the livelihood of these populations. In efforts to enter the modernized and globalized world system, Latin America turned toward democracy. This region, however, faces severe developmental challenges that have created a deep level of dissatisfaction and lack of confidence with electoral democracy among the populations — mainly because of poor economic growth, immense inequalities and ineffective legal and social systems. While international funds are invested into developing countries, there is a lack of follow-up policies and investigations into where the money actually ends up. Corrupt officials who swim in their newfound wealth fail to pump funds into the most beneficial and effective developmental programs.

Haiti has been the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere; insecurity, a lack of access to health care and poor water quality and sanitation are chronic issues in this least developed country. Only 50 percent of the population is literate, and the same amount is undernourished.

Early this year political strife reached its peak in Haiti, and President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted and exiled to South Africa. Since then, the small Caribbean country has struggled with the collapse of law and order, causing massive violence, protests and further economic decline.

Commodity prices have increased throughout the year partly because of armed gangs stealing supplies amid the turmoil. The violence continues, causing significant political and humanitarian problems, leaving in its trail massive destruction of property and infrastructure and a halt in basic public services.

Aristide disappointed many of his constituents by not pursuing a clear, viable agenda for change. The economic situation over the past few years has worsened. With a declining GDP growth of 1.7 percent, Haiti’s traditional exports of coffee, rum and other agricultural products have diminished to almost zero as a result of free trade, overproduction by other poor countries (especially among its Latin American competitors) and subsidies and trade barriers in rich countries.

With a fast-growing population and difficulties producing enough food on a small land surface, it is no wonder there is such a high dependency on outside assistance. The only growth in the area has been through drug trafficking, giving further reason for countries like America to withdraw its support. But drug trafficking is a byproduct of the international community’s dismal failure to ensure that funds are used for the purpose intended. Under the current situation, large elements of Haitian society are turning to drug trafficking for quick profits. The international community must not allow that to happen.

Aristide supporters even argue that his failure to tackle poverty, social deprivation and inequality is in large part due to current U.S. opposition and lack of support from the international community.

The Bush administration’s funding freeze needs to be lifted in order for Haiti to move forward and reach political and economic stability. This small country needs more than several kilometers of paved roads left by U.S. marines 10 years ago; it needs a commitment to firm policies.

Haiti’s government is highly dependent on foreign aid and assistance, currently receiving $165 million annually from America, the European Union and the World Bank. The international community picks and chooses its projects when it benefits donor countries’ interests. But when it comes to dealing with human life and natural rights, it is unfair to go in a country and create even further chaos to accomplish political and strategic goals and then leave without providing meaningful and lasting development.

While aid is extremely important to these countries, keeping a close watch on how funds are distributed and invested is extremely important to achieving access. Money in the hands of corrupt officials, elected or not, is completely wasted.

Elections do not guarantee democracy. Before elections, a sustained commitment from the international community of money and time to build up an independent judiciary, a functioning legislature, a transparent executive and a depoliticized military and police force is necessary to create an environment in which democracy can be exercised.

Calming the security situation is currently the most pressing problem. With the United Nations expecting to send 3,700 more troops to Haiti, perhaps the road to strengthening civilian institutions and stabilizing the economy so that democracy will succeed can begin.

Natalie J. Mikhail (nmikhail@badgerherald.com) is a senior majoring in journalism and international studies.