Nearly 3 million children, the highest number ever recorded, need humanitarian aid in Haiti. Children suffer alarming levels of violence aggravated by hunger and malnutrition, in a country that was already mired in poverty and in the midst of a new outbreak of cholera.
“Today, being a child in Haiti is tougher and more dangerous than ever. The threats and difficulties they face are simply unimaginable. They desperately need protection and support,” said Bruno Maes, Representative of UNICEF at Haiti.
Children find themselves in the crossfire or direct targets of attacks as armed groups terrorize the population in their struggle for territory and control, mainly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and increasingly in the neighboring region. of Artibonite.
In addition, women and girls suffer extreme sexual violence and kidnappings of students, teachers and health personnel have multiplied, as well as attacks on schools. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the violence.
Hunger, insecurity, disease and lack of basic services
Hunger and malnutrition have reached unprecedented levels across the country with life-threatening effects, especially in the poorest, most insecure and congested neighborhoods of the capital, where some families are virtually trapped without access to essential services.
The number of children suffering from malnutrition at risk of death it has shot up 30% since last year, and almost one in four children across the country suffers from chronic malnutrition.
To make the situation even worse, children fall into the hands of armed groups due to violence, poverty and desperation. Many children and youth in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area say they were forced to enlist in exchange for protection or food and income for their families. Some say that armed groups give them a sense of identity and belonging.
In addition to violence, hunger and disease, children face the constant threat of extreme storms and earthquakes.
In early June, heavy rains, which coincided with the start of the hurricane season, caused destructive flooding that in many cases was fatal. A few days later, an earthquake was registered in Grand Anse, a region that is still marked by the 2021 earthquake.
The international community cannot turn its back on Haiti
In Haiti, the provision of basic services and the development of human capital have been inadequate for several decades, a problem that is compounded by extremely high inequality, marginalization and social exclusion. It is the poorest and least developed country in the Western Hemisphere, and it is not prepared to face the multiple disturbances it confronts.
Nearly 3 million children need help in Haiti this year, the highest number on record. But funding falls far short of humanitarian needs. Of the $246 million in funding that UNICEF needs for Haiti in 2023, less than 15% has been received.
Despite the lack of funding, UNICEF continues to expand its operations and its presence on the ground. The agency provided vaccines and therapeutic food, delivered clean water and sanitation, and allowed children to continue going to school.
“Despite the enormous challenges, humanitarian aid has contributed to avoiding famine and malnutrition of a catastrophic nature. But much more is needed. The international community cannot turn its back on the children of Haiti at a time when they most need their support.” Maes stated.
