Haiti: Gang Violence Displaces Over One Million People

Haiti Faces Unprecedented Crisis as Over One Million Displaced by Gang Violence

The worsening situation in Haiti has reached an unprecedented crisis point, with every new statistic setting a grim record, according to Ulrika Johnson, speaking from the neighboring Dominican Republic to journalists in New York.

“The immense suffering this is causing is truly heartbreaking,” she said, describing the harrowing experiences of victims of violence.

—

A Crisis Without Precedent

The crisis continues to escalate as global humanitarian funding declines, following a recent decision by the United States to halt foreign aid distribution.

In response, a Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorized by the UN Security Council, has been deployed to assist the Haitian National Police in combating rampant gang violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed that the organization take on the responsibility of funding structural and logistical support for the mission.

—

Children Among the Hardest Hit

Human rights violations have surged compared to 2024, said Ms. Richardson.

According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), more than 5,600 people were killed last year. Sexual violence is widespread, with UNICEF reporting a staggering 1,000 per cent increase in cases involving children between 2023 and 2024.

“The effects on women and children are devastating,” Richardson emphasized, noting that children account for half of those displaced.

Additionally, gang recruitment of young people has skyrocketed. “We've seen a 70 per cent increase in one year of children being coerced into gangs,” she added.

—

Deportations and Refugee Crisis

Haiti also faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. Five million Haitians require food assistance, and malnutrition among children is rising. Meanwhile, only a third of the country’s healthcare facilities remain operational.

Deportations have further compounded the crisis. Around 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned to the country last year, many of whom had no home to return to. At the same time, nearly 400,000 Haitians fled the country, often facing life-threatening journeys.

Despite these massive challenges and increasing security risks, humanitarian efforts continue—even in gang-controlled areas.

The situation is worsened by the fact that Port-au-Prince’s main airport has been closed since November, disrupting the movement of aid and personnel. However, humanitarian organizations have managed to establish a logistics hub in the north, allowing essential supplies to reach those in need.

—

The Impact of US Aid Freeze

In 2024, the humanitarian community launched a $600 million response plan, but only 40% of the funding was secured—with 60% of contributions coming from the United States alone.

“The US aid freeze is having a significant impact on our work,” Richardson admitted.

For 2025, humanitarian organizations are planning to raise over $900 million to provide essential assistance, including food, healthcare, protection, and psychosocial support for victims of sexual violence.

She expressed hope that if sufficient funding is secured, “we can provide seamless humanitarian aid to those who so desperately need it.”

—

As Haiti grapples with this deepening crisis, urgent global intervention is needed to address both the humanitarian and security challenges the nation faces.