Interim Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, has pledged to end lawlessness with the support of a Kenyan-led international force deployed to the Caribbean nation.
The special rapporteur, highlighting the rights of internally displaced persons, emphasized the alarming surge in violence, especially in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where armed groups control large areas and hinder humanitarian access.
Moreover, ongoing clashes between gangs and the Haitian National Police have created a prolonged atmosphere of fear, restricting freedom of movement and blocking access to essential services.
Notably, in the first quarter of the year alone, gang-related violence has reportedly resulted in the deaths or injuries of 2,500 Haitians, including 82 children. Women and children are the most severely affected, facing an increased risk of sexual violence and exploitation.
Rising number of IDPs
Independent experts have highlighted that a large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living in overcrowded areas under inadequate conditions, lacking basic hygiene and sanitation. Their living conditions are further worsened by severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care, as well as the absence of safe and private spaces for psychological support.
According to data from the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), 80% of IDPs nationwide are living with host families, while the remaining are sheltering in sites, many of which are in gang-controlled or high-risk areas. Additionally, nearly half of the country’s population is on the verge of acute hunger, with 18% facing “emergency” levels of food insecurity.
In 2023, the country faced additional pressure from severe floods caused by torrential rains, which affected over 46,000 people and displaced more than 13,000 others. This was compounded by a 4.9 magnitude earthquake in June, further worsening the humanitarian situation.
Additionally, the country grapples with appalling realities such as gang attacks, extrajudicial killings, kidnappings, and gender-based violence, which have become part of daily life for many Haitians, forcing locals to flee their homes.
In addition to gang violence, vigilante group activities have led to hundreds of lynchings. According to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, over 1,630 people were killed, wounded, or kidnapped in the first three months of 2023, marking a 30% increase compared to the previous quarter.
Impact on Children
Over half a million children are living in neighborhoods controlled by armed groups, facing an increased risk of violence and recruitment. Additionally, the rising number of unaccompanied displaced children makes them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and trafficking by gangs.
Violence and attacks on educational facilities have forced the closure of nearly 900 schools, affecting almost 200,000 children, disrupting their education, and increasing their risk. Additionally, sexual violence against women and girls at IDP sites is surging as gangs continue to use rape as a weapon of terror.
The cycle of violence continues to erode the social fabric of Haitian society in numerous ways. Armed violence exacerbates social, economic, and political instability, creating an environment where chaos thrives. According to the UN data, approximately 30 to 50 percent of armed group members are children. These children are subjected to coercion, abuse, and exploitation, a direct consequence of the country’s persistent fragility. The ongoing violence not only disrupts daily life but also perpetuates a cycle of instability that affects every aspect of society, deepening the crisis and making recovery increasingly difficult.
An increasing proportion of youth involved with gangs or gang activities raises the likelihood of economic hardships and family problems in adulthood, consequently leading to involvement in street crime or arrests later in life. Research suggests that the longer an adolescent remains in a gang, the more disruption they will face during the transition to adulthood and in their adult life.
Disproportionate effect on women
Enduring a relentless barrage of threats, including sexual abuse such as collective rapes and torture, displacement, restricted access to healthcare, and a crushing burden of poverty.
Primary caregivers in communities face immense risks and threats as they take on the Herculean task of rebuilding lives in overcrowded shelters or unfamiliar neighborhoods. To make matters worse, these places often struggle to provide basic sanitation and hygiene facilities, with clean water being a daily challenge.
Furthermore, physical and sexual abuse continues to be a significant tool in gang violence, with survivors encountering numerous challenges in their struggle against abuse and in obtaining medical care. These challenges include the dangers faced while traveling to medical facilities, prohibitive transportation costs, impunity, and the lack of prosecution for perpetrators.
Among the various impacts of gang violence, it threatens women’s freedom by restricting their movements and forcing them to stay indoors. This limitation hinders their access to public spaces, including essential services and schools. Consequently, this restricted mobility creates a vicious cycle, increasing their dependence on others for basic needs and further exposing them to the risk of violence and abuse.