“Staying on the ground and remaining operational is not only a decision; it is a duty — one that defines the UN’s role in times of crisis,” says Fernando Garcia Lopez, Chief Security Adviser for Haiti.
In a country as unstable as Haiti, not every UN programme can continue as usual. That’s where Programme Criticality comes in. It’s the UN’s system for determining which activities must continue, even when risks are high.
Programmes marked as PC1—those considered most essential—are prioritized. These include life-saving services like health care, food assistance, and protection for displaced families. When violence escalates or access becomes dangerous, these are the operations that stay active, while others may be scaled back.
“These aren’t just services — they’re lifelines,” adds Daniel Torres, Deputy Security Adviser in Haiti. “Staying to deliver them is not just a choice. It’s a responsibility.”
