Objectives. This report examines the impact of an economic embargo from 199
1 to 1994 on health, well-being, and human rights in Haiti.
Methods. Data from surveillance systems for nutrition, reportable diseases,
and hospital diagnoses were combined with survey data and interviews with
affected women, governmental representatives, diplomats, and staff of nongo
vernmental organizations.
Results. Changes included declining income, rising unemployment, poorer nut
rition, declining infant mortality, rising mortality among 1- to 4-year-old
s, decreased attention to children's well-being and education, and family b
reakdown. Survival strategies among poor Haitians included changed dietary
habits, informal-sector economic activity, moving in with relatives, sellin
g domestic goods, increased informal unions among couples, decreased school
attendance, and indentured servitude among children
Conclusions. The implementation of economic sanctions in Haiti resulted in
extensive violations of rights; the impact was greatest on the most disadva
ntaged Haitians. Many Haitian and international supporters of democracy wer
e unaware of the extensive negative impact that sanctions could have. The i
mpact continues now 5 years after sanctions ended. Modified policies reduce
d some of the burden of sanctions, and intel national assistance prevented
what otherwise might have become a humanitarian disaster during sanctions.