Children in Haiti in Desperate Need of Aid Amidst Escalating Gang Violence
In a dire situation, three million children in Haiti are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance as ongoing gang violence continues to impede aid delivery, according to the head of the UN children’s agency, Unicef.
Catherine Russell described the conditions in gang-ridden Haiti as “catastrophic” and worsening “every day”.
She addressed the UN Security Council, highlighting the collapse of essential services in many areas.
Meanwhile, a transitional presidential council has yet to be sworn in, further exacerbating the crisis.
While Haiti has long struggled with gang activity, the armed groups intensified their attacks at the end of February when Prime Minister Ariel Henry was out of the country finalizing a deal for a multinational security force deployment.
Henry was unable to return as the gangs targeted the international airport, leading to its closure.
Although he agreed to step down once the transitional council was established, delays and internal disputes have stalled the process.
Despite claiming to target Henry, the gangs have continued to target the police force, looting institutions, burning pharmacies, and shutting down the largest hospital in Port-au-Prince.
NGOs report that the armed groups now control around 90% of the capital city.
Unicef estimates that 2.7 million people reside in areas under effective gang control, with children often bearing the brunt of their violence.
“Children are being harmed or killed daily. Some are coerced into joining armed groups out of sheer desperation,” Russell stated at the UN Security Council meeting in New York.
“Recent data shows that up to 50% of armed groups in Haiti include children among their ranks,” she added.
Recent reports indicated attacks in the Lower Delmas neighborhood and disruptions at the Varreux terminal, a crucial fuel passage point for the capital.
Clashes between law enforcement and gang members near the National Palace, where the transitional council is set to be inaugurated, resulted in casualties.
According to local sources, at least one individual was killed in street confrontations close to the palace. — BBC
