Gena Heraty and Eight Others Kidnapped from Haiti Orphanage

The international community is rallying in support of gena Heraty, an Irish aid worker from Westport, Co Mayo, and eight others kidnapped from an orphanage in haiti over the weekend.Ms. Heraty, in her mid-50s, is the Director of the NPH Haiti Special Needs Programmes⁤ and⁤ has dedicated over three decades to supporting vulnerable populations in the country.

Growing Concerns Amidst Haiti’s Escalating⁢ Violence

The abduction took place at the Sainte-Helene orphanage in Kenscoff, a commune approximately 10km southeast of Port-au-Prince. Alongside Ms. Heraty,staff members and a three-year-old child were taken hostage by a criminal gang. ‍This incident underscores the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where gang violence is spiralling and threatening to destabilize the nation.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 3,141 people have been killed in Haiti during the first half of 2023 alone. Kenscoff itself has recently come under the control of the Viv Ansanm gang, adding to the ⁤escalating dangers faced⁢ by residents and aid workers.

Calls for Safe Release and Ongoing Efforts

Family and friends of Ms. Heraty have expressed deep concern and are pleading for her safe return. A statement released on her behalf highlighted the widespread love and respect she commands, evidenced by the outpouring of support from around the globe.

“Gena is loved ⁤and respected⁤ by so many people, as ⁢is evident ⁣in the outpouring of concern, support and prayers from everyone near and far,” the statement read.

Authorities are working closely wiht the organization operating the orphanage, Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and international partners. they have assured those⁢ affected that “everything possible is being done to get Gena,⁤ and those taken with her, safely released quickly.”

NPH International has also issued a statement, calling for ⁢the immediate release of all those abducted and affirming their commitment to securing their safe return. They described the situation as “under assessment” and reiterated Ms. Heraty’s long-standing dedication to NPH and Haiti’s most vulnerable⁢ communities, having supported their work as 1993.

A Pattern of Kidnappings Targeting Aid ⁣Workers

Ms. Heraty is not⁣ the first foreign aid worker to become a victim of kidnapping in Haiti. In April 2021, two⁣ French priests were among ten people abducted in Croix des Bouquets, eventually being released after nearly ⁢three weeks in captivity.⁢ Six months later, the same “400 Mawazo” gang targeted a group of 17 American and Canadian missionaries.These incidents highlight the increasing risk faced by ⁤those working to provide essential aid in the country.

Watch: Former orphanage resident says she prays for release of Gena Heraty