In a statement released yesterday, the U.S. Government strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Haiti. Among the reasons cited, critical crime level, cholera outbreak, frequent and violent disturbances in Port-au-Prince and in provincial cities, lack of adequate medical facilities, and limited police protection.

"The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to Haiti unless essential and only if travel is fully supported by organizations with solid infrastructure, evacuation options, and medical support systems in place." The statement warned against the rising number of victims of violent crime, including murder and kidnapping in Port-au-Prince.

"No one is safe from kidnapping, regardless of occupation, nationality, race, gender, or age", the statement said. "In a number of cases in the past year, travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were attacked and robbed shortly after departing the airport."

HL/ HaitiLibre