Hundreds of disabled people flee gang violence in Haiti

Port-au-Prince (Haiti), Jun 27 (EFE) .- Hundreds of Haitians with disabilities have survived since June 20 in inhumane conditions in a communal school in Pétion-Ville, in the capital, devoid of basic social services such as water, hygiene and food.

FOOTAGE FROM THE STREETS IN PORT AU PRINCE

SOUNDBITES FROM SAMUEL JEAN AND PHILOGNE GESNER, BLIND PEOPLE

Jean: When we got here, there was dust everywhere. So far the space is dirty. We are packed like sardines to sleep on. This is our situation here. For me, the state does not exist, "said the blind man, well known in areas of Port-au-Prince for the song he uses when he begs for alms.

These refugees with special needs spent several days in the courtyard of St. Yves Parish before being brought to this school by the Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities.

HOW DID THEY GET THERE?

"It was an event that happened that made us be here today. Our house was consumed by fire. We have nowhere to sleep. In this school we have come to take refuge," continued Samuel Jean.

Gesner: This is a criminal action that we deplore. That is why we demand justice and reparation. Because we are vulnerable people," said Philogène Gesner, who heads an organization that defends the rights of the disabled.

This is at least the second time that the camp, located in a precarious area of the capital, has been burned. This time, people accuse the National Police. Because of this, Gesner wonders if they are acting criminally to exterminate the disabled.

"It is an arson. The camp was set on fire by the specialized unit (of the Police) called CIMO on the pretext that the place was a hiding place for bandits. Without any professionalism, they decided to burn the space," complained the activist.