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UNESCO鈥檚 Psychosocial Assistance for Ha茂tien Journalists
The programme, developed in partnership with the Haitian Association of Psychology (AHpsy) and the Collective of Online Media (CMEL), offers comprehensive mental health support. Journalists will have access to one-on-one psychological sessions, peer support groups and resilience-building workshops designed to help them cope with trauma.
The launch event took place at the Karibe Hotel and brought together over 100 participants, including high-level representatives of the Haitian government, journalists' associations, and the journalists benefiting from the program.
The ceremony paid tribute to the two journalists who lost their lives - Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean 鈥 as well as the seven who were injured.
Grief does not disappear overnight, but it can be eased if it is shared. This program is a lifeline, an opportunity for our journalists to express their fears and find some peace.
Government officials also took the floor to thank UNESCO for taking the initiative. Presidential adviser Fritz Alphonse Jean, speaking on behalf of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), reaffirmed the government鈥檚 commitment to restoring peace and ensuring that those responsible for the attack face justice.
The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Patrick P茅lissier, underscored the urgent need to protect journalists: "Today in Haiti, telling the truth means risking your life. Safety is a fundamental right. We must protect those who shed light on our society".
The Minister of Culture and Communication, Patrick D茅latour, condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with media professionals: "We have lost lives and precious voices in our heritage. But we remain committed, alongside UNESCO and journalists' associations. Haiti is strong".
During the event, UNESCO presented a certificate of appreciation to Jean Feguens Regala, a survivor of the attack who played a critical role in assisting injured colleagues. Trained in first aid, he provided emergency medical care.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Regala shared his pain: 鈥淲hen I close my eyes, I still see them. Jimmy, Markenzy鈥 Every day, I repeat their names, so I don鈥檛 forget them. But we are living on borrowed time. Every Haitian journalist knows they could be next. Today, we want justice to shed light on these attacks.鈥
The launch of this program is a crucial step in assisting journalists affected by violence. UNESCO, in collaboration with the Haitian authorities and partner organizations, is committed to strengthening protection for media professionals and ensuring their well-being. The project is made possible through the Crisis Response Mechanism of the Global Media Defence Fund.
