UNICEF reported on Tuesday that more than 300,000 children in Haiti have been forced from their homes due to gang violence since March. The country is struggling to curb high rates of killings and kidnappings, with nearly 580,000 people displaced in the last four months, over half of whom are children.
Violence escalated following coordinated attacks on key government facilities in late February, culminating in Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation in April.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe, particularly impacting children who urgently need safe environments and increased support from the international community.
Gangs now control about 80% of Port-au-Prince and major transportation routes, contributing to over 2,500 deaths or injuries nationwide in the first quarter of the year, according to the UN.
Many displaced children are living in makeshift shelters, including unsanitary school settings, heightening their risk of disease. School closures are also leading to increased dropouts.
UNICEF noted that children in Haiti are being pushed into joining violent gangs due to limited access to basic necessities like food, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
Displaced children and adolescents face heightened risks of sexual assault, exploitation, abuse, and separation from their families.
This development follows the arrival of Kenyan forces in Haiti to aid in countering armed gangs, a move met with mixed reactions given past controversies involving the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, such as introducing cholera and allegations of sexual misconduct.
On Monday, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Finer met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille to discuss the initial stages of a UN-backed mission deployment to Haiti, emphasizing U.S. support for accountability and oversight measures.
Haiti is also bracing for a challenging hurricane season, with preparations underway amid early warnings of approaching storms like Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean Sea.
