Media Freedom in Haiti Improving

Haitian journalist and reporters are constantly watching their backs. At one point in time they were the unlucky target of the government. As mentioned  in a previous blog, journalist and reporters were terrorized, sometimes killed, during the Duvalier reign. This terrorism has continued even after the overthrowing of the Duvaliers. Surprisingly, today, there have been multiple reports about journalist and reporters being attacked or murdered. Although the lives of these journalists and reporters are said to be dangerous, there is some hope for their futures.

SOS Journalist, an organization founded in 2005 by Guy Delva, a renowned journalist in Haiti, has prompted the government to investigate the murders of journalists in Haiti. In the past, government officials never looked into the killings of journalists, but since SOS Journalist has been formed, 13 people have been convicted for murdering journalists. SOS Journalist not only seeks justice for murdered journalists, but it also seeks to promote media freedom in Haiti.

Guy Delva, an advocate for free media, speaking about the state of the media in Haiti

Guy Delva in an altercation. This illustrates the hostility that journalists in Haiti face

In addition to the SOS Journalist organization seeking justice for murdered journalists and promoting free media, there have been indicators that the freedom of Haiti's media is improving. According to the Worldwide Press Freedom Index designed by Reporters Without Borders, Haiti has moved up 16 places, making it number 57 of 175 countries included in the index. 

There is still hope for Haiti's media. Protection for media workers is improving and the government is slowly starting to respect the freedom of the media. With continuous efforts, Haiti's media can begin to flourish and serve the role designed for them in the democracy.