Fiammetta Cappellini, who served for 19 years as AVSI’s Regional Manager for the Caribbean and currently coordinates AVSI’s global humanitarian responses, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in the rank of Knight (Cavaliere).
The award ceremony was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Italian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Stefano Queirolo Palmas, highlighted Cappellini’s longstanding commitment in Haiti, stating:
“In addition to the courage and civic sense demonstrated by working for years in a prohibitive context, she is a wise interpreter of a model of development aid inspired by the best Italian traditions of Catholic sensitivity.”
Cappellini accepted the honor with humility, underlining the collective nature of her work:
“This is a team effort. Ideally, all my colleagues were awarded with me.”
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her family: “I thank those who, through their sacrifices, have allowed me to make the choices this job requires—especially my mother Antonietta and my father Alvaro, who for the past three and a half years have cared for my 17-year-old son Alessandro at home.”
AVSI has been one of the most active organizations in Haiti, working to promote development, education, and human rights. However, as the crisis in the country has intensified, the organization has shifted its focus toward emergency humanitarian assistance—protecting people from violence and addressing hunger.
Haiti is facing what Cappellini describes as “multidimensional poverty, extremely difficult to overcome,” exacerbated by rising violence and widespread insecurity. Armed gangs now control large parts of Port-au-Prince, deeply affecting the economy. “From January to March alone, there were 5,000 gun-related deaths in the capital,” she reported.
Despite these challenges, AVSI remains operational thanks to its predominantly Haitian staff, who are better integrated into the communities they serve. The organization implements rigorous and constantly updated security measures, including a strict curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m
After nearly two decades in Haiti, Cappellini has returned to Italy, where he now oversees AVSI’s global humanitarian operations.
The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is the country’s highest honor. The rank of Knight (Cavaliere), its entry-level distinction, is awarded to Italian and foreign citizens in recognition of their service to the nation.
Subscribe to AVSI newsletter
Sign up to receive news and information on our work in the world.