Last week 10 Americans – five men and five women were arrested in Haiti while trying to bring 33 Haitian children across the border to the Dominican Republic.
The group says they are Baptist missionaries from Idaho who were simply trying to help the orphans. A big problem with such a statement is that not all the children were orphans – some had parents who survived the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. In addition, reports say that of the 10 detainees, “few appear to have had any significant experience with Haiti, international charity work, or international adoption regulations.”
A major concern that I’ve had since Haiti’s earthquake was the potential of human trafficking. I’ve been concerned that amidst the chaos and destruction some people would pick up a child that didn’t belong to them, or solicit an unsuspecting adult.
Human trafficking has also become a major concern among close observers of Haiti’s recovery. Police and government agencies have their hands full trying to help families devastated by the earthquake and keep order in debris-filled streets. The Haitian justice system has been nearly incapacitated by the earthquake, which damaged courthouses and government buildings.
In this scenario, it is easier than ever for smugglers to remove children and compliant adults from Haiti for criminal purposes.
In addition to financial aid and resources, countries that are helping the Haitian government should also consider sending volunteers with police, military and legal experience to help keep the Haitian system of justice moving so that those with criminal motives will not be able to take advantage of the disaster.
If evidence indicates that the missionaries had good intentions when transporting the children, then hopefully the courts will be lenient in how they deal with them. As of this writing it seems they were, after all, only attempting to help and remove children from a devastating and dangerous environment. However, such optimism may be an option.
Those who intend to help the people of Haiti must be careful to meet all regulations and guidelines given by both our government and the Haitian government. They are not doing any favors for themselves or the people they are trying to assist by violating laws and forcing officials in Haiti to take action against them. This is a distraction that can delay the relief process, so it is better if missionaries and other people trying to help just meet initial regulations.
As I was talking about this issue to friends, another interesting debate was spurred: Is it really in the best interest of Haitian children to be transplanted to a foreign place – devoid of everything that’s been familiar to them?
Some of my friends felt that any situation is better than what many Haitian children experienced before the earthquake, while others believe one shouldn’t focus on material items Haitians can acquire once they land on U.S. soil. To support the latter point, someone reminded us that many of the traditions and oral history might be lost from Haitian immigrants if they lose familial contact.
What do you think? Is it good to remove Haitians from their native land, or is it inhumane to leave them there – even after rebuilding the country?
Post your comments on our Web site, www.indianapolisrecorder.com.
