Below is a Newswire news release that sums up the dreadful situtation in Haiti.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, July 5 /U.S. Newswire - The security situation in Haiti continues to decline, provoking the exodus of charity workers and foreign residents. According to ActionAid International - Haiti, the failure of security measures can be traced to the dearth of resources and effort from the nation's transitional government. Meanwhile, local violence is increasing in intensity and scope.

Recent developments:

-- Kidnappings have increased to upwards of six a day. All civilians, including children and the elderly, have been identified as targets. A rising surge of victims are reportedly facing torture during captivity. In one instance, the child of a family too poor to pay ransom was recently returned home with her eyes gorged out.

-- Violent crimes (burglary, murder, rape, and assaults) are dramatically increasing in the capital of Port-au-Prince.

-- Daily gunfire has become routine in certain areas. As a result, downtown Port-au-Prince is rapidly becoming evacuated by business owners. Detrimental consequences to the economy are expected for the long and short term. The area surrounding Haiti's National Palace is also experiencing a regular barrage of gunfire.

-- The U.S. Peace Corps has departed from Haiti, and other non-essential U.S. residents were requested to evacuate the nation four weeks ago. As a result, the U.S. embassy is nearly deserted, reducing functions to a bare minimum. Many countries, including the United States and Canada, are issuing regular advisories warning their citizens not to travel to the Caribbean nation.