UNICEF Urges Global Action to Aid Displaced Children Facing Starvation in Haiti

Haiti‘s Crisis Deepens: Displacement Surges as Children Bear the Brunt of Gang Violence

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

A child receives care at a UNICEF-supported mobile clinic in Boucan Carré, Haiti. (Credit: UNICEF/Herold Joseph)

The humanitarian situation in Haiti has reached a critical juncture,with Displacement now impacting over 1.3 million people, according to newly released data from the United Nations Children’s Fund. This represents a dramatic increase, especially concerning the vulnerability of the nation’s children.

Escalating Displacement and Violence

More than 680,000 children have been forced to flee their homes due to intensifying violence perpetrated by armed gangs, marking a doubling in the number of displaced children compared to the previous year. approximately ninety percent of the capital city is currently under the control of thes armed groups, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The number of displacement sites across the contry has soared to 246, indicating the unprecedented scale of the crisis.

A Crisis for Children’s Rights and Wellbeing

Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasized the devastating impact on children, stating that each displacement robs them of their homes, their education, and their very childhood. The situation is further compounded by the condition of displacement shelters, with roughly one-third lacking essential infrastructure for protection. Women and children are disproportionately affected, facing increased risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the growing dangers of trafficking, exploitation, and forced recruitment of children by criminal organizations, warning of perhaps long-lasting societal consequences.

Education and Food Security Under Threat

The widespread use of schools as shelters has led to severe disruptions in education, affecting approximately half a million students. Over 1,600 schools have been forced to close or have been occupied by armed groups during the 2024-2025 academic year. Acute shortages of textbooks, learning materials, and qualified teachers further exacerbate the educational crisis.

Food insecurity is also worsening, with an estimated 288,544 children under the age of five projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year.Soaring food prices are pushing basic necessities beyond the reach of many families, forcing them to reduce their food intake or rely on inadequate diets. According to the World Food Programme, over half of all Haitians currently lack sufficient food.

Challenges to Humanitarian Aid Delivery

Insecurity along critical transportation routes and border crossings is severely hindering the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. Aid workers are facing increased risks of violence while carrying out their duties.Recent cuts to international aid and funding shortages for organizations like the World food Programme are exacerbating the crisis. The WFP estimates a need of at least $139 million to sustain aid operations for the most vulnerable populations over the next twelve months but has been forced to curtail essential programs due to funding gaps.

UNICEF’s Response and Urgent Appeal

Despite the challenges, UNICEF and its partners continue to provide essential services, having treated over 86,000 children suffering from malnutrition and provided healthcare to more than 117,000 people. The agency has also provided access to clean water for 140,000 individuals. However, UNICEF urgently calls for increased international support to expand lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced children, including safe shelter, family tracing and reunification services, psychosocial care, and access to health, nutrition, education, and sanitation.

“The children of Haiti cannot wait,” Russell stated,emphasizing the urgent need for sustained action to ensure their safety,health,and wellbeing.

Understanding Displacement in Haiti: A Historical Context

Haiti has long been vulnerable to natural disasters, political instability, and economic hardship. The current surge in gang violence is rooted in complex factors including the weakening of state institutions, widespread poverty, and the proliferation of firearms.Displacement is not a new phenomenon in Haiti; though, the scale and severity of the current crisis are unprecedented.

Year	Estimated Displaced Persons	Key Contributing Factors
2010 (Earthquake)	1.5 million+	Earthquake, infrastructure damage
2023	680,000+ (children)	Gang violence, political instability
2025 (Current)	1.3 million+	Escalated gang violence, food insecurity

Did You Know? Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most vulnerable to climate change.

Pro Tip: Supporting organizations working on the ground in Haiti is crucial to providing immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haiti Crisis:

• What is causing the displacement in Haiti? the primary driver of displacement is escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs who control large portions of the country.
• What is UNICEF doing to help? UNICEF is providing crucial aid including malnutrition treatment, healthcare, access to clean water, and protection services for displaced children.
• How can I help the people of Haiti? You can donate to reputable organizations working on the ground, advocate for increased international aid, and raise awareness about the situation.
• what is the long-term impact of this crisis on Haiti? The disruption to education and the trauma experienced by children will have long-lasting societal consequences.
• Is the humanitarian aid reaching those who need it? Security concerns and limited access are hindering the delivery of aid to some of the most vulnerable populations.
• What’s the situation with food security in Haiti now? Over half of Haitians are currently facing food insecurity, and the situation is worsening due to rising prices and limited access to resources.
• How are schools impacted by the crisis in Haiti? Over 1,600 schools have been closed or occupied by armed groups, severely disrupting education for hundreds of thousands of children.

What are your thoughts on the international community’s response to the escalating crisis in Haiti? And what further steps can be taken to protect the country’s most vulnerable population?

Share your perspectives and join the discussion in the comments below.

What specific political factors are contributing to the instability in Haiti, hindering humanitarian aid delivery?

The Escalating Crisis: Haiti’s Humanitarian Emergency

The situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating, with a confluence of factors – political instability, gang violence, economic collapse, and natural disasters – pushing the nation to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. UNICEF is urgently calling for increased global action to prevent widespread starvation among displaced children. The current crisis has left an estimated 1.6 million people, including over 540,000 children, in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. This includes access to food, water, healthcare, and protection.

Displacement and Food Insecurity: A Deadly Combination

Recent escalations in gang violence, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, have triggered mass displacement. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease.

* Rising Malnutrition Rates: UNICEF reports a dramatic increase in acute malnutrition rates among children under five. Severe acute malnutrition has risen by 30% since the beginning of 2023, with projections indicating further increases if aid doesn’t arrive swiftly.

* Food Supply Disruptions: Gang control over key infrastructure, including roads and ports, is severely disrupting food supply chains. This has led to soaring food prices, making essential items unaffordable for many Haitian families.

* Limited Access to Healthcare: The healthcare system in Haiti is on the verge of collapse. Hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are scarce, and healthcare workers are struggling to cope with the influx of patients. This lack of access to healthcare exacerbates the impact of malnutrition and increases the risk of preventable diseases.

UNICEF’s Response and Urgent Needs

UNICEF is working on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to children and families affected by the crisis. However, the scale of the needs far exceeds current resources.

Key Areas of Intervention

* Nutrition Programs: UNICEF is scaling up its nutrition programs, providing therapeutic food and supplements to treat and prevent malnutrition in children. This includes ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for severely malnourished children and micronutrient supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

* Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Access to clean water and sanitation is critical to prevent the spread of disease. UNICEF is providing water purification tablets, hygiene kits, and supporting the rehabilitation of water systems.

* Child Protection: Displaced children are at increased risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. UNICEF is working to strengthen child protection mechanisms, providing psychosocial support, and reuniting separated families.

* Education: Despite the crisis, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children have access to education. This includes providing learning materials, supporting teachers, and creating safe learning spaces.

Funding Gap and Call for Support

UNICEF is appealing for $210 million to support its humanitarian response in Haiti. As of October 2025, a important funding gap remains, hindering the association’s ability to reach all those in need. Donations are urgently needed to provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable children and families.

the Impact of gang Violence on Children

The pervasive gang violence in Haiti is having a devastating impact on children’s lives. Beyond displacement and food insecurity,children are directly exposed to violence,witnessing horrific acts,and being recruited into armed groups.

* Recruitment of Child Soldiers: There are credible reports of gangs recruiting children, often from vulnerable backgrounds, to participate in armed conflict. This is a grave violation of children’s rights.

* sexual Violence: Girls and women are at increased risk of sexual violence in displacement settings. UNICEF is working to provide support to survivors and prevent further abuse.

* Psychological Trauma: The constant exposure to violence is causing severe psychological trauma in children. Many are suffering from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Access to mental health services is severely limited.

Long-Term Solutions: Addressing the Root Causes

While immediate humanitarian assistance is crucial, addressing the root causes of the crisis is essential for long-term stability and recovery.

Key Considerations for Enduring Solutions

* Strengthening Governance: Addressing political instability and strengthening governance structures are critical to creating a more secure and stable habitat.

* Economic Progress: Investing in economic development and creating opportunities for employment can help reduce poverty and vulnerability.

* Security Sector Reform: Reforming the security sector and strengthening the rule of law are essential to combat gang violence and protect civilians.

* Climate resilience: Haiti is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Investing in climate resilience measures can help mitigate the impact of future shocks.

How to Help: Supporting UNICEF’s Efforts in Haiti

Individuals and organizations can contribute to UNICEF’s efforts to aid displaced children in Haiti through various avenues:

* Donate: Financial contributions are the most effective