In January 2026, 48 US House Representatives signed a resolution that took a stand for the safety and equality of women and girls in Haiti, a major advocacy success for coalition of Haitian and international human rights groups including Channel Foundation grantees Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IDJH), Haitian Women’s Collective, and MADRE. 

“The proposed Resolution represents an extraordinary measure of solidarity with Haitian women and girls and with Haitian civil society,” said Sasha Filippova, IJDH Senior Staff Attorney. 

The Resolution saw bicameral, bipartisan support in condemning the lack of protection for women against widespread sexual violence during a time of deepening instability in Haiti. In addition, it urged for Haitian authorities, policymakers abroad and international organizations alike to take urgent action consistent with the demands of Haitian civil society, calling out international partners as equally responsible. The resolution also denounced the exclusion of women in leadership in Haiti’s political decision-making, citing how this failure deteriorates the security and democracy of the country.

Carine Jocelyn, founder of the Haitian Women’s Collective, spoke in support of the Resolution’s strong stance: “Working with women-led organizations throughout Haiti has taught us the importance of ensuring that women are engaged as equal partners in the ongoing development of Haiti.”  

The Resolution calls for commitment to align measures with the Policy Framework for an Effective and Equitable Transition, put forward by nearly 200 civil society organizations in Haiti. Priorities of the Resolution include ensuring women’s participation in the government and investing in the equality of Haitian women in policies and institutions.  

“For Haiti to secure a peaceful and prosperous future, Haitian women must be among policy makers, government leaders, civic leaders, and agents of change, and they must have equitable access to financing,” Jocelyn continued. 

From January to September of 2025, a Miami Herald investigation found that the country recorded an average of 27 cases of gender-based violence a day, based on more than 7,400 cases reported to humanitarian organizations. Meanwhile, “Access to survivor-centered support remained limited, with only 28% of rape survivors gaining access to medical care within the critical 72-hour window,” the U.N. Integrated Office added. 

This systemic violence is addressed by the Resolution. Along with being a humanitarian crisis, gender-based violence significantly reduces women and girls’ civic participation, 

“Inclusive security is the key to lasting security, but too often, international interventions in Haiti have sidelined Haitian women’s leadership,” said Yifat Susskind, MADRE Executive Director. “Haitian women have a right, guaranteed under national and international law, to shape the future of their country.”