By Diandra Garcia, Advocacy and Program Coordinator, Office of Peace, Justice and Integrity of Creation

My recent experience with our Sisters of Charity at Kittay was both eye-opening and deeply moving. About a dozen Sisters gathered on Sept 17, united by a common purpose: to discuss the dire situation in Haiti, significantly hurting the lives of countless individuals affected by armed gangs and gun violence. Sisters of Charity of New York is working closely with the Stop Illegal Arms to Haiti coalition along with many other 40 faith-based groups & their partners (like Nuns Against Gun Violence, Franciscan Action Network, and Beyond Borders) to help this cause.

Stop Illegal Arms to Haiti’s campaign does not only oppose guns but advocates for systemic change. This coalition serves to lobby members of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to take stronger measures to prevent the illegal flow of weapons and ammunition from the United States to Haiti. Their advocacy is grounded in a belief that creating safer global communities is not just a political issue, but a fundamental moral imperative. This page offers all the materials you need to join the cause.

Understanding the Crisis

The conversation began with an overview of the current situation in Haiti, where armed gangs control much of the country’s infrastructure. We highlighted the alarming statistics: nearly five million people face food insecurity, a crisis exacerbated by political instability and rampant crime. Kidnappings and murders have become commonplace, instilling fear in everyday life. As we spoke, the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent, especially for those of us who have witnessed the resilience and hope of the Haitian people through 100+ years of mission trips.

The impact of illegal gun trafficking from the United States was a central theme in our discussion. Ports in Florida, New York and Louisiana have inadvertently contributed to the flow of firearms into Haiti, empowering gangs and undermining the security of communities. Illegal U.S. shipment account for 70% of the arms being utilized by gangs to make daily life nearly impossible for Haitian people. The U.S. has a responsibility to address this issue, and it was clear that effective export control and increased oversight at borders are crucial steps towards defending the lives and rights of our neighbors in Haiti and beyond.

Personal Accounts and Their Impact

I was struck by the immediacy of the crisis as our Sisters shared that their neighbors at Kittay, the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, had some members of their congregation kidnapped last year. About six Sisters from another religious community were kidnapped this year. Thankfully, they were rescued, often through ransom payments, but the psychological scars remain.

Advocacy and Action

Recognizing this social consciousness, not only in Haiti, but also globally—our Sisters at Kittay were called to action. We discussed the importance of advocacy, emphasizing how their voices could make a difference by raising awareness, even to their home aids. Signing the petitions for policy makers (President Biden; Senators Schumer & Gillibrand; and their local representative Espaillat respectively) to implement regulations and support international efforts to control arms trafficking, our Sisters also encouraged their brothers at the Society of Jesuits’ retirement home to do the same. I reassured them that if we all do this consistently, we advance Congress to at least create legislative bills for change.

In conclusion, the efforts of the Stop Illegal Arms to Haiti coalition highlights that tackling gun violence requires a holistic approach—from community engagement to legislative advocacy. There are a series of virtual and in person lobbying meetings with legislators at Washington DC this Sept 25-26 in our efforts to end the illegal flow of arms from the U.S. to Haiti. For more info on how to support, click here.

If you would like to participate in any upcoming or future lobbying efforts, please contact Diandra Garcia at digarcia@scny.org.

Sisters of Charity exemplify how faith can lead to social change, demonstrating that a collective and compassionate response to gun violence is not just necessary; it is crucial for a safer tomorrow.

Our Sisters at Kittay reflected on this initiative by reading a Novena Against Gun Violence. As always, we understand that most importantly, the power of prayer makes all the difference.

Give us the courage to speak the Word. Give us the audacity to take the actions needed to end this needless violence… Amen.