“Though burdened throughout its history by the legacy of colonialism, slavery, and recurrent occupations by the United States of America, Haiti has also been a beacon of freedom for those suffering these oppressions.” The statement notes that the people of Haiti have been ground down by the imposition of oppressive and illegitimate reparations to France, and have suffered through generations of political instability, war, international isolation, and the brutal dictatorial rule of the Duvalier family (1957–1986). “In 2024, Haiti has faced severe economic and political crises, escalating gang violence, and the collapse of its government and its institutional infrastructure, resulting in the breakdown of social cohesion,” reads the statement. “The increasing violence exacerbates the persistent lack of essential basic services.” Hospitals and schools operate intermittently at best, notes the text. “An estimated 1 million children are out of school, heightening the risk of gang recruitment for half a million children who reside in gang-controlled areas,” reads the statement. “Hospitals and public institutions are becoming targets, as are the professionals who staff them.” Many are displaced and are leaving the country. And as so often, women bear the disproportionate burden of the surge in violence in Haiti. Rape cases increased by 49% from January to August 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.” The mandate of a Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti has recently been extended by the UN Security Council for a further 12 months. The WCC executive committee called on WCC member churches, ecumenical and interfaith partners worldwide – and especially in the United States of America and France - to offer “persistent and fervent prayers for Haiti, especially for those affected by violence, displacement, and systemic injustice.” The WCC governing body also requested the WCC general secretary to consult with Haitian churches, ACT Alliance, specialized ministries, and other relevant partners “to discern and implement effective ways for the WCC to support the ministry of the churches in this context and to express solidarity with the Haitian people.” The WCC executive committee is convening in Paralimni, Cyprus, from 21-26 November to focus on planning for 2025, including the budget and implementation of WCC strategies. The thematic focus of the gathering is on peace-building in the context of occupation, war, and conflicts. Read the full statement WCC demands end to violence in Sudan, urges support for churches (WCC news release, 25 November 2024) WCC reiterates vital importance of multilateral cooperation (WCC news release, 25 November 2024) WCC urges peaceful end to division of Cyprus (WCC news release, 25 November 2024) WCC: “We yearn for peace in Ukraine, in Russia and throughout the region” (WCC news release, 25 November 2024) WCC moderator: “What do we mean when we talk about speaking truth to power?” (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) WCC general secretary highlights how WCC proclaims God’s justice in the world (WCC news release, 21 November 2024) WCC executive committee convenes in Cyprus with focus on peace-building (18 November 2024) Photo gallery of the WCC executive committee meeting in Cyprus | 
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