UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell recently highlighted the alarming crisis in Haiti, where armed gang violence has disproportionately affected children, with reports indicating that up to half of gang members are minors. Many of these children are forced into various roles, including informants, cooks, and sex slaves, while others are compelled to commit acts of violence. Russell’s statements at a U.N. forum revealed a concerning 70% increase in child recruitment by gangs over the past year, while incidents of sexual violence against children have skyrocketed by an astonishing 1,000%. These children are becoming victims of a collapsing infrastructure that fails to provide basic needs such as clean water, health care, and education, increasing their vulnerability to disease and malnutrition.
The humanitarian situation in Haiti worsens by the day, with Russell pointing out that over half of those displaced by gang violence are children. The stark reality is exemplified by the plight of 125,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. The U.N.-backed forum, reflecting on the ongoing crisis, emphasized the dire need for international support to mitigate the impacts on Haiti’s youth. Russell raised a critical question regarding the ease with which young people can obtain firearms compared to access to food, highlighting the urgent priorities that need to be addressed in Haiti today.
Despite UNICEF’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid, it faces significant obstacles, including limited access to regions dominated by gangs. Russell underscored the lack of funding for the U.N.’s 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti, which is only 43% funded. Key areas such as child protection, education, and nutrition are severely underserved. Russell appealed for prioritizing the safety of children exploited by gangs and for establishing effective protocols to ensure these minors are safely reintegrated into society should they come into contact with law enforcement or military personnel.
The U.N. has recognized the deepening crisis and how the fault lines are primarily felt by children, as they continue to endure displacement, malnourishment, and an environment overshadowed by violence and fear. The U.N. Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, echoed Russell’s concerns, pointing out that children are living in constant danger, often in neighborhoods controlled by armed groups, further exacerbating their suffering and limiting their hope for a stable future. This perspective is echoed by Wanja Kaaria from the World Food Program, who noted that while they have delivered substantial amounts of food aid, the ongoing gang interference severely hampers humanitarian efforts.
Nevertheless, the international community exhibits reluctance to intervene decisively in the tumultuous situation in Haiti, as insecurity from armed gangs creates a daunting environment. Although the U.N. authorized the deployment of additional police forces to assist Haitian authorities, real progress is hindered by political corruption and instability within the transitional government, which has seen significant upheaval recently. The transitional government’s inability to provide stable leadership diminishes the confidence of foreign donors crucial for funding recovery and stability efforts in Haiti.
In response to the growing unrest and requests for intervention, international police assistance remains limited, with minimal support to tackle the escalating gang violence. The U.N. Security Council has approved a formal request for a peacekeeping mission, but the slow arrival of troops has left Haiti vulnerable. Notably, several nations express hesitation about the potential risks associated with engaging in combat against armed youth, revealing a complex and challenging landscape for meaningful intervention. As Russell’s presentation elucidates, addressing the critical security issues posed by armed gangs is fundamental to making any progress towards stability and recovery in Haiti, particularly for its most vulnerable population—its children.