Haiti: Rising gang violence causes more than a million people to be displaced
Latest data from the International Organization for Migration indicates that to date, more than one million people have been displaced across Haiti, up from the 315,000 recorded on December 20, 2023.
“The most specific data we have is that approximately 1,041,000 people are currently living in displaced situations in Haiti. Most of these people have been displaced multiple times,” speak IOM spokesman Kennedy Okoth Omondi.
The majority of those forced to flee their homes have left the capital Port-au-Prince, Mr. Omondi continued, where violence by heavily armed gangs has been “non-stop” while emergency services Weaknesses have collapsed – “especially health care and worsening food insecurity”.
Neighboring provinces are also affected by gang violence and a growing wave of Haitians fleeing insecurity. “Many people are seeking refuge in Haiti’s provinces, overwhelming host communities and straining limited resources,” an IOM spokesperson said. “In the Artibonite department, displacement triples by 2024, reaching more than 84,000 peoplehighlights the spread of violence beyond the Haitian capital.”
Thousands of people will die by 2024
Last week the United Nations human rights office, OHCHR, reported horrifying gang violence left more than 5,600 people dead last year.
In recent weeks, gangs have been responsible for killing hundreds of people in separate massacres spanning several days.
In the first incident, OHCHR said several victims were dismembered after allegedly using voodoo rituals to cause the death of gang leader Wharf Jérémie in the capital’s Cité Soleil, before Their body parts were thrown into the sea.
The United Nations human rights office also recorded 315 executions of gang members and people believed to be affiliated with gangs, which in some cases were believed to have been facilitated by gangs. Haitian police officer.
On December 24, armed men reportedly opened fire on journalists at a press conference held to announce the reopening of the Caribbean island nation’s largest public hospital, killing three people. died.
Forced to return to Haiti
The IOM noted that the deportation of about 200,000 Haitians mainly from the Dominican Republic has placed further strain on the country’s overburdened social services. “Communities are basically struggling to survive,” Mr. Omondi said.
As the violence continues, the UN agency explained that safe access to the most vulnerable people in displacement sites is becoming increasingly difficult.
These establishments are mainly concentrated in the capital and have mushroomed from 73 to 108 within a year.The IOM said, highlighting severe overcrowding and lack of adequate access to food, clean water, sanitation and education.
“Reports from these locations show that conditions are worsening, with families struggling to survive in makeshift shelters while facing increasing health and safety risks. guard,” Mr. Omondi said.
Lack of capital
674 million USD from the United Nations humanitarian response plan for Haiti only 42% funded, leaving a gap of $388 million.
On December 23, Security Council emphasize The international community needs to redouble its efforts to support Haiti’s national police force – and strengthen the 2,500-strong Security Council-backed Multinational Security Assistance Mission led by Kenya.
To date, approximately 750 personnel have been deployed in Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and Kenya. These countries also said they intend to deploy an additional 600 police.
