Human Rights Watch Warns of Children Driven into Gangs in Haiti
Haiti is facing a disturbing trend as powerful armed groups are recruiting children, especially girls, into their ranks amidst a growing humanitarian crisis, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. These children, driven by hunger and poverty, have been forced into criminal activities like extortion, looting, and even killing.
Boys are being used as informants and trained to use weapons, while girls are subjected to sexual abuse and forced into domestic labor. The situation has worsened since February, with escalating violence leading to the displacement of over 700,000 people.
The lack of state support and economic opportunities has left children vulnerable to the influence of gangs, with about a third of gang members estimated to be children. Gangs now control large territories, with reports of social media being used to attract recruits and train them in handling weapons.
‘State absent’
The absence of the state and the dire conditions of extreme hunger have been cited as the main reasons for children joining gangs. Haiti’s government and the international community are urged to take action to address this deep instability by providing resources for security forces, ensuring access to education and food for children, and offering rehabilitation for recruits.