Haiti’s Children at Risk: UN Experts Sound Alarm on Alarming Surge in Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

 

A Catastrophic Rise in Violence Against Children

Haiti is grappling with a humanitarian nightmare, as the country has seen a staggering 1,000% increase in sexual violence against children in 2024. According to UN experts, the rise in brutality has escalated to dangerous levels across many parts of the country. Children, once hopeful for a brighter future, now face unimaginable violence and trauma that risks leaving lifelong scars. Virginia Gamba, UN special representative for children and armed conflict, has sounded the alarm, pointing out that the use of children by armed gangs has become an all-too-common and deeply troubling trend. Reports indicate that many children are becoming direct targets or collateral damage in brutal gang activities, exposing them to rape and collective rape, with devastating consequences on their physical and mental health.

The Growing Threat from Armed Gangs

Armed gangs have terrorized communities in Haiti, leaving civilians, especially children, in a constant state of fear. The gangs have targeted vulnerable groups indiscriminately, exploiting the nation’s political instability and weakened infrastructure. Gamba highlighted this disturbing trend, calling on all actors to take immediate action to protect children from violence and abuse. She stressed the urgent need for Haiti’s children to be shielded from hostilities, sexual violence, and forced involvement in armed conflicts. Despite global awareness of these atrocities, responses have been limited, leaving children without proper support or protection amid the growing danger around them.

Political Unrest Fueling the Crisis

Haiti’s current humanitarian crisis is deep-rooted in its prolonged political turmoil. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged all factions within Haiti to work collaboratively toward a stable political transition. However, progress remains elusive, with instability undermining the country’s ability to manage or mitigate the crisis effectively. Amidst the ongoing violence, efforts to rebuild Haiti’s institutions and public systems have stalled, making it nearly impossible for children and families to access safety or stability. Haiti’s political fragility has allowed gangs to operate unchecked, and without a unified political solution, the situation continues to spiral further, leaving children at greater risk with each passing day.

Displacement and Loss of Essential Services

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti has led to widespread internal displacement, leaving thousands without a place to call home. In search of safety, families are fleeing their communities, but in doing so, they often lose access to essential services. The violence has forced over 300,000 children out of school, stripping them of their right to an education and a semblance of normalcy. Many schools have been converted into temporary shelters, accommodating the tens of thousands who have been forced to abandon their homes. This breakdown of public infrastructure is not just a short-term disruption; it threatens to rob a generation of children of their future, compounding the trauma they already face from direct violence.

Targeting Public Infrastructure Deepens the Crisis

In addition to harming individuals, gangs in Haiti are deliberately targeting public infrastructure, aggravating the already critical humanitarian situation. Schools, hospitals, and other essential services are regularly under threat in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas, disrupting the lives of the population and limiting their access to healthcare, education, and shelter. As these attacks continue, the local government and international community face the challenge of restoring order and essential services. However, without a coordinated and robust response, public infrastructure remains vulnerable, endangering civilians and complicating any potential humanitarian aid efforts. The prolonged instability has left little room for rebuilding or protecting vital community resources.

The International Community’s Role in Haiti’s Recovery

The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti calls for an urgent, coordinated response from the international community. While UN experts have drawn attention to the horrors faced by children, additional action is essential to bring about meaningful change. International aid, diplomatic intervention, and support for local governments are critical for restoring stability and addressing the root causes of this crisis. If left unchecked, the crisis could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Haiti’s future but for the region as a whole. Virginia Gamba’s plea for all actors to protect Haiti’s children underscores the urgency of the situation, and the world must not look away from this tragedy.