Press Release

OAS and Viva Rio Sign Cooperation Agreement to Strengthen Opportunities for Youth and Women Affected by Violence in Haiti

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and the Brazilian NGO Viva Rio today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance social inclusion, expand economic opportunities, and promote pathways toward stability for vulnerable youth and women affected by violence and social exclusion. Through the partnership, the organizations will provide psychosocial support, vocational training, livelihood opportunities, and community-based assistance to help participants build safer and more productive futures.

The agreement was signed in Port-au-Prince by OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin and Jose Antonio Gonzalez Senmache, representing Viva Rio, and it marks a new milestone in efforts to strengthen social cohesion, promote inclusion and opportunities for populations in situations of vulnerability, and contribute to safer communities in Haiti.
The Memorandum builds on the results of the OAS project Increasing Social Cohesion and Countering Gang Violence in Haiti,implemented since 2023 with the financial support of the Government of Canada. To date, the project has supported 30 community organizations across Haiti, backed initiatives promoting women's safety and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and provided professional training and entrepreneurship opportunities to 1,264 youth and women.

In addition, 250 at-risk participants received psychosocial and socio-emotional support to strengthen their resilience and future prospects. Through a comprehensive approach combining community-based interventions, support to the Haitian National Police, economic empowerment initiatives, psychosocial assistance, and policy dialogue, the project has contributed to strengthening resilience and expanding opportunities in communities affected by violence.

At the signing ceremony, OAS Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in support of Haitian-led efforts to address the country's security and social challenges. "This partnership is about people: helping young people and women in situations of vulnerability regain stability, strengthen their capabilities, access opportunities, and build viable alternatives to violence," he said. "Lasting progress in Haiti depends on the continued efforts of Haitian communities, local organizations, and public institutions. Through this partnership with Viva Rio, we are building on existing achievements and helping young people and women affected by violence to acquire skills, access opportunities, and contribute positively to their communities.", Secretary Ramdin added.


Representing Viva Rio, Jose Antonio Gonzalez Senmache welcomed the agreement and emphasized the importance of the partnership with the OAS: "We are grateful to the OAS and to Secretary General Albert Ramdin for their commitment to this cooperation agreement. This important step strengthens our partnership and our shared commitment to peace, protection, and social inclusion in Haiti. It enables us to move into action, supporting locally driven efforts that respond to the realities faced by communities and are developed in close collaboration with Haitian institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders," he said.

The OAS and Viva Rio will closely coordinate with Haitian government institutions including the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), the Ministère des Affaires Sociales et du Travail (MAST), and the Commission Nationale de Désarmement, Démantèlement et Réinsertion (CNDDR), as well as community-based organizations, the United Nations, and other partners. Activities will be implemented in line with Haitian priorities and existing national mechanisms.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of the OAS and Viva Rio, supported by the Government of Canada, to advance Haitian-led efforts that strengthen community resilience, promote social cohesion, and expand opportunities for individuals and communities facing heightened risks of violence and social exclusion.

Reference: E-093/26