Thousands of displaced people, including children in Haiti, face critical conditions
19 August 2024On August 19th, World Humanitarian Day, Plan International urges to prioritize the protection of children and ensure humanitarian aid in Haiti.
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to worsen, the number of internally displaced persons has reached an all-time high of 580,000 people, 54% of whom are women, including girls. The conditions faced by these people are increasingly precarious due to escalating violence and natural disasters. The most affected communities are struggling to find shelter and access to basic services, while the number of internally displaced persons continues to increase at an alarming rate.
Safety concerns for children and adolescents
Children and adolescents feel unsafe in shelters, and express their fear of violence, threats and attacks by armed groups. They are increasingly concerned about mass robberies, kidnappings and disappearances related to human trafficking. Plan International highlights the harsh reality faced by children and young people growing up during violence.
“Every day we witness families being forced to leave their homes, children being forced to live in inhumane conditions, often separated from their parents. This crisis is not just a matter of numbers, it is a cry for help from people facing unimaginable suffering,” said Johnson Bien-Aime, Acting Director of Plan International Haiti.
Escalating violence and insecurity
The civilian population is experiencing increased insecurity, violence and political instability, severely affecting supply chains, production, transportation and access to essential services such as health, education, drinking water and basic sanitation.
In the second quarter of 2024, 1.379 cases of killings and injuries at the hands of armed groups were recorded. In addition, at least 428 people were kidnapped for ransom during this period. Nearly half of the country’s population faces severe food insecurity, with 1.64 million in emergency phase and 3.32 million in crisis. It is estimated that 277,000 children under will be acutely malnourished in November 2024.
In May 2024, Plan International conducted 7 focus groups inside a shelter for internally displaced persons in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, in which alarming additional needs were detected. Thirty percent of the participants reported having suffered psychological aggression and 3 of the 7 groups rely exclusively on cash transfers to buy food, being able to eat only once a day.
An increase in cases of forced child labor has also been observed, with a rate of 13%. Children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, as well as pregnant and lactating women, are at serious risk of malnutrition due to lack of resources for adequate nutrition. Girls and young women continue to suffer violence, physical aggression and sexual harassment, and children are particularly vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups.
Urgent call to end violence and protect children
Plan International urgently calls on all parties involved to put an immediate end to violence and indiscriminate attacks affecting the civilian population and condemns all grave violations committed against children’s rights in conflict. The organization urges that priority be given to the protection of children and adolescents and calls for increased presence and protection in communities in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, allowing continued and safe humanitarian access to expand and ensure effective delivery of assistance.
“What we see on the ground is a tragedy, with entire families living in the shadow of violence and fear. We reaffirm our commitment to the population by providing humanitarian aid, together with local and international actors, but we need more help. Children are at risk that will soon be irreversible,” said Johnson Bien-Aime.
As part of its humanitarian response, Plan International is working to meet the most urgent needs of the Haitian population, focusing on ensuring a safe and protective environment for children affected by the crisis. The organization has expanded its programs in the southeast, northeast and Artibonite departments, providing psychosocial support, recreational and educational activities in childcare centers and providing cash transfers to prevent further protection risks.
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