Gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than 300,000 children since March, according to the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF). The Caribbean nation is grappling with increasing killings and kidnappings, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Children account for over half of the nearly 580,000 people who have become homeless in the last four months. The surge in violence began in late February following a series of coordinated attacks on key government infrastructure, culminating in Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation in April.
“The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes is taking a devastating toll on children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Displaced children are in desperate need of a safe and protective environment, and increased support and funding from the international community.”
Currently, gangs control at least 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the critical roads leading in and out of the city. More than 2,500 people have been killed or injured across the country in the first three months of the year, according to the UN.
Many children are living in makeshift shelters, including schools with poor sanitary conditions, placing them at risk of disease. School closures are also leading to a higher dropout rate. UNICEF reports that children in Haiti are being forced to join violent gangs for survival due to a lack of access to food, health care, clean water, and sanitation. Displaced children and teenagers face a heightened risk of sexual assault, exploitation, abuse, and family separation.
This announcement comes shortly after hundreds of Kenyans arrived in Haiti to help rescue the country from the grip of armed gangs. The deployment has received mixed reactions, following a previous UN peacekeeping mission that introduced cholera and was marred by sexual allegations.
On Monday, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille to discuss the initial deployment of the UN-backed mission to Haiti. Finer emphasized the United States’ commitment to accountability and oversight mechanisms as part of its mission.
Haiti is also preparing for a strong hurricane season, which has started earlier than usual. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Haiti’s southern coast as Hurricane Beryl moved into the Caribbean Sea.
