Civil Rights Leaders Hail Prime Minister’s Resignation as Positive Progress, Advocate for Further Steps to Stabilize Haiti

NEW YORK (April 25, 2024) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, National Action Network Founder and President Rev. Al Sharpton, and Haiti Support Project Founder Dr. Ron Daniels issued the following statement in response to the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry:

“Ariel Henry’s resignation today as prime minister of Haiti marks a constructive development, emphasizing the opportunity for the United States and international partnersto advance civil and human rights and steer Haiti towards sustained stability and prosperity.

As we urged in our recent letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the United States must act to provide security and humanitarian assistance and collaborate with advocates directly on solutions.

With police forces overwhelmed, the U.S. should provide both funding and manpower to assist in restoring order and strategic planning against the insurgent threat. Civilians caught in the crossfire are in desperate need of emergency medical aid, food, and shelter for those forced from their homes.

Given the complex history between the United States and Haiti, it is imperative that our next steps are informed by those with a deep understanding of the country’s social, political, and cultural landscape. We renew our call for a consultation group of Haitian American and African American civil and human rights leaders and experts on Haiti to provide guidance on policy and engagement strategies.

We have requested an emergency meeting with Secretary Blinken and Mr. Sullivan and stand ready to assist and explore other avenues for the United States to support Haiti in this critical moment.