Haiti: Nationwide marches on National Teachers’ Day May 17

Event

The National Union of Normalists of Haiti (Unnoh) announced on Wednesday, May 10 that nationwide marches are planned for National Teachers’ day on Wednesday, May 17. The marches are aimed at denouncing poor working conditions for both teachers and students. The union is demanding that the Haitian government set up a special committee to address this issue, as well as increased wages for teachers to account for an increase in the cost of living.

Context

Unnoh led a two day strike in public schools throughout multiple cities May 8 – May 9. Unnoh also organized a march on May 9 that led to police using teargas to disperse protesters. The Minister of National Education and Training, Pierre Josué Agénor Cadet, has promised to accept some of Unnoh’s demands following a vote in parliament on amending the government budget.

Tensions have been high across the country following the November 20, 2016, general elections; protests, violent outbreaks, and roadblocks have become common occurrences. Haiti has been teetering on the brink of a major political crisis for years due to elections being postponed on numerous occasions.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation, to strictly avoid all protests and rallies due to the high likelihood of violence, and to adhere to advice and instructions issued by the local authorities and/or their home governments. ​Avoid discussing sensitive political topics and to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate via media reporting.