The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 700,000 people have been internally displaced in Haiti, with more than half of them being children. This represents a 22 percent increase compared to June, with over 110,000 people fleeing their homes in the last seven months due to gang violence, particularly in Gressier, west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The country has faced years of unrest and instability, with powerful armed groups vying for influence and control. The situation worsened in February when gangs launched attacks on prisons and other state institutions in the capital.
The surge of violence prompted the resignation of Haiti’s Prime Minister, the creation of a Transitional Presidential Council, and the deployment of a multinational force called the Multinational Security Support Mission. The United Nations human rights office reported that more than 3,600 people have been killed this year in gang violence. Additionally, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) revealed that almost 48 percent of people in Haiti are experiencing acute food shortages. The IOM called for international support to address the needs of the displaced populations and host communities, who have shown resilience in the face of challenges.
The IOM report stated that 75 percent of the displaced individuals are sheltering in the country’s provinces, with the Grand Sud region hosting the majority of them. The remaining displaced people are in Port-au-Prince, where the situation is described as precarious and unpredictable, with overcrowded sites and limited access to basic services. The agency highlighted that 83 percent of the displaced population is being hosted by families. It emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to restore stability and security in Haiti, as well as the need for humanitarian aid to alleviate the immediate suffering of those affected by the crisis.
Gregoire Goodstein, the IOM’s chief in Haiti, urged the international community to increase its support for the displaced populations and host communities in Haiti. He stressed the resilience of the communities in the face of the challenges they are facing. The IOM emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to bring stability and security to the country, alongside providing humanitarian aid to address the needs of those affected by the crisis. The agency called for a concerted effort to support Haiti during this difficult period.
The situation in Haiti highlights the urgent need for international support to address the displacement of over 700,000 people, including a significant number of children. The ongoing unrest and violence in the country have led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people seeking refuge in provinces and Port-au-Prince. The IOM’s call for support underscores the critical need to assist those affected by the crisis, provide basic services, and ensure the well-being of displaced populations and host communities in Haiti. As the country faces challenges with security, stability, and food shortages, international assistance is crucial to address the needs of the vulnerable populations in Haiti.
