The economic embargo against Haiti increased morbidity and mortality of Haitians

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the economic embargo from 1991 to 1994 on health, well being, and human rights in Haiti.

METHOD

Data from surveillance systems for nutrition, reportable diseases, and hospital diagnoses were combined with survey data and interviews with affected women, governmental representatives, diplomats, and staff of non-governmental organizations.

LITERATURE REVIEW

No explicit strategy; 65 references.

MAIN RESULTS

Lower incomes; increased unemployment; poorer nutrition; higher infant mortality; decreased attention to education; and family breakdown.

• Nutrition: In a 1990 study 3.4% of children under 5 years had acute malnutrition, compared with a 1994-1995 study which found that 7.8% had acute malnutrition. Complete immunization of children fell from 40% in 1991 to 12% in 1993.

• Economics: In the 5 years from 1986 to 1991, assembly line employment fell by 7.5%; between 1991 and 1994 it fell by 80%. Agricultural production fell at an average rate of 1.3% per year in the 1980s compared with 5% per year from 1991 to 1994. Amounts sent home from abroad increased substantially, but most passed through informal channels. In 1994, US amounts were limited to $50 per sender per family per month. Formal unemployment increased from 50% in 1991 to 75% by November, 1994.

• Housing: In 1986, 53% of households had three or more residents per room, increasing to 73% by 1993.

• Education: The pass rate for the baccalaureate fell from 43% in 1991 to 7% in 1997.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The economic embargo against Haiti accelerated impoverishment, causing substantial social dislocation, and reduced Haiti's ability to participate in the global economy. Inclusive analysis reveals that the embargo imposed to promote human rights reduced access to health and education. Sanctions, especially the fuel embargo, were implemented without respect for protecting the right to work, to education, or other basic rights.