Haiti: a Nation in crisis

Haiti: a Nation in crisis – Children bear the brunt of violence and displacement

Port-au-Prince, July 2024 – Haiti is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Since the escalation of violence on February 29th, armed gangs have seized control of large swaths of the Country, including significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The result has been catastrophic: more than 600,000 people are now internally displaced, with children comprising over half of this number.
The violence has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of displaced children – a 60% rise since March alone, equivalent to one child being displaced every minute. This surge highlights the desperate need for humanitarian assistance, as these children are at heightened risk of violence, sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse.
They also face disrupted access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education. Following the recent attacks, the Haitian government declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew to help overstretched security forces regain control.
Despite these measures, the situation remains volatile, with gangs responsible for thousands of killings and kidnappings.

“The children of Haiti continue to endure the onslaught of multiple dangers, including horrific violence and critical levels of displacement (..).
The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes is having devastating consequences for childhood.
Displaced girls and boys desperately need a safe and protective environment, as well as more support and funding from the international community”. Catherine Russell - UNICEF Executive Director

With 90% of the population living in condition of poverty, the recent wave of violence has further destabilized an already vulnerable nation.
The assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, marked the beginning of an era of increasing gang power.
Today, these gangs control up to 80% of Port-au-Prince, contributing to an environment of fear and insecurity.

The healthcare system, already under strain, now faces additional challenges as the rainy season threatens to exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. More than 84,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported, and the deteriorating conditions in camps and temporary settlements increase the risk of further outbreaks.

In response to the crisis, various humanitarian organizations and Congregations, including the Marist Brothers, have initiated emergency interventions. Their efforts focus on providing immediate relief to the most affected families by distributing essential items such as food baskets, clean water, and hygiene kits. These interventions aim to support community recovery and help families resume normal life amid the chaos.

More info on the projects and the Marist Brothers history and presence Conversations with local populations reveal extreme difficulties in obtaining proper meals, with many children and families seeking daily assistance for basic sustenance. Despite previous efforts, the severity of the situation necessitates ongoing intervention.
This is the reason why FMSI and the Marist Brothers are implementing projects to provide urgent assistance to 1,300 beneficiaries.

This includes distributing essential supplies, documenting the distribution process, and ensuring transparent reporting on the use of funds.
The primary goal is to offer immediate aid while fostering hope for improved conditions. The plight of Haiti’s children underscores the urgent need for international support and intervention.
The ongoing efforts by FMSI, the Marist Brothers and other organizations working in the area, are critical in providing immediate relief and long-term recovery for the most vulnerable. However, sustainable change requires a concerted effort to address the root causes of Haiti's instability and to ensure that children can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. The international community must act decisively to provide the necessary resources and support to alleviate this humanitarian crisis.

The children of Haiti cannot afford to pay with their lives and futures for a crisis created by adults.

ADVOCACY AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

In light of the ongoing crisis, the Institute of the Marist Brothers urges all influential stakeholders in Haitian society to safeguard students, educators, parents, and educational infrastructure, in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It is imperative to preserve education in all its forms, ensuring that schools remain nurturing environments where students can thrive. Teachers, as pivotal figures in the education system, must be safeguarded by all parties.

FMSI, together with the Secretariat of Solidarity , reiterate the urgency to enact measures to protect children and their rights. We call upon the international community to increase their support and funding to address the immediate needs of displaced children and to invest in long-term solutions that will promote stability and development in Haiti. Additionally, there is a pressing need for advocacy at the international level to mobilize resources and influence policies that prioritize the welfare and protection of Haitian children.

By strengthening partnerships with international organizations and advocating for the protection and rights of children in crisis, we can work towards a future where every child in Haiti has the opportunity to live in safety, receive a quality education, and grow up with hope for a better tomorrow.

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