Surge in Gang Violence Displaces Thousands in Haiti
Since late January, a surge in extreme violence has devastated Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in significant loss of life and forcing more than 6,000 people to flee their homes.
The Haiti Humanitarian Country Team, consisting of UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and donors, expressed deep concern over the crisis. In a statement, the group condemned the “unacceptable and inhumane” levels of violence impacting the country.
Reports indicate that entire families have been murdered in their homes, while others—among them young children and infants—were gunned down while attempting to escape.
These recent attacks follow a massacre in December, in which the Wharf Jérémie gang executed over 200 people in Cité Soleil, one of Port-au-Prince’s most densely populated and impoverished areas.
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UN Condemns Violence Against Civilians
The United Nations has strongly denounced the escalating violence, which has left countless Haitians living in fear, hunger, and precarious conditions. Women, girls, and children are particularly vulnerable, with increasing reports of sexual violence.
By the end of 2024, at least 5,600 Haitians had been killed, with over one million displaced due to violence.
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure,” stated Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator. “The recent assault on the State University Hospital of Haiti on February 13 is a gross violation of human rights, depriving already vulnerable individuals of critical services.”
Despite the growing insecurity, the humanitarian community remains committed to providing life-saving aid to those in desperate need. Meanwhile, international organizations continue to coordinate with development and peacebuilding actors to seek long-term solutions that strengthen resilience among affected communities.
“The international community will remain mobilized in support of Haiti,” emphasized the Humanitarian Country Team, vowing to secure necessary funding to restore dignity to those suffering.
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UN Appeals for $908 Million in Humanitarian Aid
In response to the worsening crisis, the United Nations has launched a $908 million appeal to assist 3.9 million Haitians struggling with food insecurity and the collapse of basic services.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) presented the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan on February 19, outlining targeted relief efforts. These measures include addressing armed violence, forced displacement, public health crises, and natural disasters.
The funds will also support mobile aid teams, bolster protection against sexual exploitation and abuse, and contribute to long-term development programs aimed at creating sustainable solutions.
As Haiti faces an unprecedented humanitarian emergency, the UN and its partners continue to push for international support to prevent further suffering and help rebuild the lives of those affected.
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