PORT-AU-PRINCE — Greater than 100 younger Haitians ran from Delmas to Pétion-Ville on Sept. 20 within the second annual Marathon for Peace, organized by the Academic Group Police Unit (EDUPOL) with assist from the United Nations. The occasion, held below the theme “Act Now for a Peaceable World,” aimed to advertise unity and hope in a capital the place gangs now management practically 90 % of neighborhoods.
Wearing white jerseys and race numbers, contributors set out on the four-mile course below heavy police and UN safety. Whereas some runners competed for prizes of as much as $1,000, organizers emphasised the marathon’s broader purpose: providing youth a optimistic outlet and provoking them to reject violence at a second when Haiti’s insecurity has displaced greater than 1,000,000 folks.
“A marathon for peace signifies that younger folks ought to consider in themselves and keep away from wrongdoing,” one participant who selected to remain nameless resulting from privateness considerations instructed The Haitian Occasions.
“It’s higher to run for a prize than to fall into unhealthy decisions.”
“This time, the youth are usually not operating for the bandits, however for peace, love, and social cohesion.”
Étienne Jean Salvador, Group police coordinator
“This time, the youth are usually not operating for the bandits, however for peace, love, and social cohesion,” mentioned Étienne Jean Salvador, EDUPOL’s coordinator.
“Sport is a instrument of peace. If we had used it earlier, many younger abilities wouldn’t have been misplaced to dangerous paths.”
“This time, the youth are usually not operating for the bandits, however for peace, love, and social cohesion.”
Étienne Jean Salvador, Group police coordinator
Alongside the route, armored automobiles from the multinational mission and Haitian police models secured the world, whereas scouts managed visitors and civil safety brokers stood by with ambulances.
The Peace Marathon unfolded towards the backdrop of worsening insecurity and growing calls for accountability and motion from Haiti’s nationwide police, amidst a wrestle to regain management from gangs. In latest weeks, gangs have torched police stations in Bassin-Bleu and Liancourt, massacred dozens in Cabaret, and launched assaults on farming communities close to Gonaïves.
“Peace might really feel distant, however seeing so many youths run collectively exhibits that Haitians need one other future,” one spectator mentioned at Place Boyer, the place the marathon ended.
Listed here are some extra photographs from this marathon for peace—organized by the Haitian Nationwide Police with UN assist:
