Gang violence in Haiti has forced more than 1 million people from their homes, marking a record high, the United Nations reported on Tuesday.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), the number of displaced people has tripled within a year, rising from 315,000 in December 2022 to over 1 million now. This surge is attributed to escalating violence, the collapse of essential services—particularly healthcare—and worsening food security.
“The majority of those displaced are children,” the IOM stated, highlighting the severe impact on the most vulnerable populations. Most of the displaced originated from the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, with many seeking refuge in the country’s provinces.
The IOM reported that 83% of the displaced are relying on already overstretched host communities, such as acquaintances, friends, and families, for shelter. The remaining individuals are struggling in spontaneous sites with limited resources.
Compounding the crisis, approximately 200,000 Haitians were deported back to Haiti last year, placing a greater strain on the country’s already overwhelmed social services.
Addressing the issue of deportations, Stéphane Dujarric, chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said, “Deporting Haitians back to a country where basic services are almost non-existent and violence is rampant is not a direction that countries should go in.”
Natural disasters have exacerbated the situation. Floods in November and December 2022 affected more than 315,000 people nationwide, further displacing communities and disrupting livelihoods.
“Haiti needs sustained humanitarian assistance right now to save and protect lives,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “We must work together to address the root causes of the violence and instability that have led to so much death and destruction.”
Despite the immense challenges, the United Nations and its partners continue to respond. The World Food Programme (WFP) assisted 1.7 million people across the country last year by providing emergency aid, school meals, and social protection. The IOM provided access to 18 million liters of clean water to displaced people in camps and rehabilitated water pumps in affected communities, benefiting thousands of families.
However, much more is required to meet the needs of Haiti. In 2023, the UN and its partners will need $900 million to support 4 million people.
Reference(s):
UN: Gang violence left 1 million people displaced in 2024 in Haiti
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