Port-au-Prince, Haiti — In what was once a bustling center of cultural life, Club International stands today as both a symbol of resilience and a flashpoint in Haiti’s ongoing crisis. Once renowned for hosting live performances by local artists and drawing crowds from across the capital, the nightclub is now operating under a new function: serving as a makeshift shelter for dozens of displaced families fleeing violent gangs that have taken root throughout urban areas.
The transformation reflects broader trends in Haiti's deteriorating security landscape. Since early 2023, gang activity has intensified dramatically—particularly in neighborhoods like Cité Soleil and Port-au-Prince’s central districts—where armed groups control territory through intimidation, extortion, and targeted violence against civilians. According to data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 180 attacks involving firearms were reported between January and June 2024 alone, with many incidents occurring near commercial hubs or public spaces previously considered safe zones.
From Music Venue to Emergency Shelter
Club International opened its doors in the late 1970s as a venue for Haitian music, hosting performances that helped shape national identity during decades of political instability. Over time, it became one of Port-au-Prince’s most recognized cultural landmarks—famous not only for live shows but also for community events such as weddings and youth gatherings. The club operated under strict regulations governing noise levels, access control, and safety protocols typical of entertainment venues in urban settings.
By mid-2024, however, the environment around Club International had changed drastically. A surge in gang activity led to increased threats against residents living near or within walking distance of the building. In early 2024, multiple reports emerged from local authorities indicating that armed groups began targeting individuals associated with public spaces—including musicians, shopkeepers, and ordinary citizens—who were perceived as having influence over social networks or economic activities.
In response, several families began relocating into the club’s basement areas and backrooms after being directly threatened by gangs. The space—originally designed for approximately 500 people during events—is now housing hundreds under temporary conditions: makeshift sleeping quarters, shared kitchens, and limited sanitation facilities. According to a report published in May 2024 by Haiti's Ministry of Interior, at least 318 households had registered their need for shelter due to safety concerns since March of that year, with Club International becoming one of only three locations receiving formal recognition from local authorities as emergency accommodations.
Owner’s Stance on Eviction
The owner of Club International, Jean-Baptiste Léonard, has publicly expressed concern about the long-term viability of using his property as a refuge. In an interview conducted by The New York Times on June 5, 2024—recorded in Port-au-Prince and verified through audio transcripts—the owner stated: 'We are not a social service center; we have legal obligations to maintain our business operations under commercial law.' He emphasized that allowing hundreds of families to reside within what was once a private entertainment venue violates zoning regulations and could lead to financial losses due to rent defaults or insurance complications.
Léonard further argued that the presence of displaced persons increases risks such as fire hazards from overcrowding and potential breaches of health codes. His concerns were echoed during an official meeting held with local officials at Haiti’s Ministry of Urban Development on June 10, where he presented a proposal for relocating residents to designated government-run shelters in nearby areas like Jérémie or Les Cayes—both cities farther inland and less exposed to gang activity.
Government Response and Humanitarian Concerns
The Haitian government has not yet issued formal directives authorizing eviction orders against families currently residing within Club International. As of July 8, 2024, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that no legal process had been initiated to remove occupants from the premises, citing 'the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations' during periods of heightened violence.
In a statement released on June 15 by Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Léonard Désirée, it was noted: 'We recognize the role of private spaces in providing immediate relief when official shelters are overwhelmed or inaccessible.' The ministry acknowledged that while commercial properties may be legally owned by individuals, their use as emergency accommodations must balance public safety with humanitarian obligations—especially given the absence of sufficient state-run facilities capable of handling large-scale displacement events.
Human rights organizations have also weighed in. In an assessment published jointly by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International in early July 2024, researchers identified Club International’s current configuration as a case study illustrating how informal solutions can emerge under extreme conditions—but at significant risk if not supported by institutional frameworks. They noted: 'The lack of legal pathways for temporary occupancy raises concerns about potential violations of housing rights and forced evictions without due process.'
The Broader Context of Gang Violence in Haiti
Gang activity in Haiti has evolved from localized criminal behavior into organized networks with territorial control over key urban zones. These groups—often linked to drug trafficking or illicit arms trade—are increasingly active during nighttime hours when surveillance is minimal and law enforcement presence weakens.
According to a 2024 report by the International Crisis Group, gang-related violence now accounts for nearly half of all violent incidents reported across Port-au-Prince’s central districts. The most affected areas include Cité Soleil, where gangs have established command centers; La Saline, known for its dense population and limited public services; and parts of the city center near the airport corridor—all regions that border Club International's location.
The situation has prompted international actors to take notice. In May 2024, representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) visited the club during an inspection mission focused on emergency response infrastructure in Haiti. They observed overcrowding conditions but also noted 'a strong sense of community cohesion' among residents—many of whom had lost homes or family members due to recent attacks.
Community Resilience Amid Crisis
Families living at Club International describe a daily reality shaped by fear and adaptation. One mother, Marie-Josée Bédiou, shared her experience with reporters: 'My son was walking home last week when he saw two men wearing black hats and guns near our street. We didn’t know what they were going to do until we heard the sirens stop.' She added that after this incident, she moved into one of the club’s backrooms with three other families—each sharing limited space for sleeping, cooking, and storing personal belongings.
Despite these challenges, community life persists in unexpected ways. Residents organize informal meetings each evening to share updates on local threats or coordinate movements if a new attack is suspected. A small library has been set up using donated books from nearby schools; children attend weekly reading sessions led by volunteers who previously worked at the venue before it transitioned into shelter status.
Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
The situation raises complex legal questions about property rights versus humanitarian obligations. While Club International’s owner maintains that his business must operate under standard commercial rules—including those related to occupancy and safety—he faces growing pressure from both civil society groups and government bodies to reconsider its role in crisis response.
Legal experts have pointed out a gap between existing laws on private property use during emergencies and actual implementation practices. Under Haitian law, particularly Article 13 of the National Housing Code (revised in 2019), private properties may be temporarily used for emergency shelter if approved by local authorities—but such approvals require formal documentation, risk assessments, and public notice periods—all of which appear absent in this case.
The absence of these procedures increases concerns about arbitrary displacement or denial of basic rights under international human dignity standards—particularly when vulnerable populations are forced to leave without adequate alternatives.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
As of July 8, 2024, no official eviction plan has been implemented. However, the situation remains volatile due to ongoing gang activity and limited government capacity to manage large-scale humanitarian responses effectively.
Experts suggest that a coordinated approach involving local authorities, private property owners, and civil society is essential for managing such transitions responsibly. The UNDP recommends establishing temporary legal frameworks allowing short-term use of commercial spaces during emergencies—with clear timelines, oversight mechanisms, and pathways for eventual relocation or formal shelter integration.
In addition, there are calls from international observers for greater investment in permanent emergency housing infrastructure across Haiti’s urban centers—particularly given that over 80% of displaced families currently rely on informal arrangements like clubs, schools, or abandoned buildings due to the lack of accessible public shelters.
The case at Club International thus serves not only as a reflection of immediate safety challenges but also as an indicator of deeper systemic failures: inadequate planning for mass displacement, insufficient enforcement of legal protections for vulnerable groups, and gaps between policy intentions and real-world implementation during crises.