Recent reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have revealed that gang violence in Haiti has led to the displacement of over 300,000 children since March. According to VOA, children make up more than half of the nearly 580,000 individuals who have been left homeless in the past four months. The surge in violence began in late February following a series of attacks on important government structures, eventually resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in April.
UNICEF’s executive director, Catherine Russell, described the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe” that is significantly impacting the lives of children. She emphasized the urgent need for a secure and protective environment for displaced children, along with increased support and funding from the global community.
Gangs now exert control over approximately 80% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and its crucial transportation routes. Shockingly, over 2,500 individuals have been killed or injured nationwide in the first quarter of the year, as disclosed by the UN.