UN not leaving Haiti during dark days

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A gang in the slums of Cap-Haétien, Haiti Serhii Mykhalchuk on iStock

While the situation in Haiti is rapidly changing for the worse, the United Nations does not leave the country and continues to provide critical humanitarian aid.

The United Nations (UN) raised concerns about escalating insecurity in Haiti during a briefing on November 26, 2024. While prioritising staff safety, the UN remains committed to supporting Haitian-led political transition efforts and delivering crucial humanitarian aid. Haiti faces a surge in gang violence, with civilians increasingly targeted. The crisis, ongoing since 2018, stems from rising energy costs, the president’s assassination, a cholera outbreak, and widespread hunger, compounded by rampant gang activity.

The crisis in Haiti is devastating the civilian population. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported 4,544 deaths and 2,060 injuries from violence this year alone. Severe food insecurity affects 5.5 million Haitians, including 3 million children, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has seen a major surge in displacement during the year, with over 700,000 people displaced by October 2024, a 94 per cent increase since March. Furthermore, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted the crisis’ disproportionate impact on women and girls, reporting 5,400 cases of sexual and gender-based violence from January to October 2024, though the true figures are likely far higher. Funding for survivors' support services remains insufficient as pointed out by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), leaving critical gaps in support for vulnerable groups. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed a 70 per cent rise in child gang recruits since last year, with minors comprising 30 to 50 per cent of gang members, fueled by school closures and the breakdown of protective institutions.

Despite significant challenges, the UN remains committed to supporting Haiti’s people and authorities. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan seeks $674 million for acute humanitarian aid and sustainable development, though only about a quarter of the target has been raised. Special Representative BINUH, Ms Salvador, acknowledged the difficulties ahead, emphasising the necessity of restoring democratic institutions to achieve lasting security. European Union Humanitarian Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Koulaimah, urged the international community to seize this Plan’s unique momentum and intensify efforts.

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