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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Sunday November 24 reported a staggering 70 percent increase in the number of children recruited by armed groups in Haiti over the past year.
Haiti, long troubled by political turmoil and economic challenges, has descended into unprecedented chaos over the past year. Gangs now control an estimated 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, turning it into a battleground where survival trumps all else. This surge in violence has created fertile ground for the exploitation of children, many of whom are left with little choice but to join these groups.
The dramatic rise in child recruitment, recorded between mid-2023 and mid-2024, reflects what UNICEF described as a “worsening protection crisis” for Haiti’s most vulnerable population. The organization’s statement painted a grim picture of a country where children are caught in a cycle of despair.
“These children are not only victims of the escalating violence but are also being pulled into the very groups perpetuating it,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “This unacceptable trend must be reversed. Children’s safety and well-being must be prioritized.”
Haiti’s challenges are multifaceted. Decades of political instability have eroded governance structures, leaving essential institutions in disarray. Widespread poverty has forced families to the brink, with many unable to afford even basic necessities. Schools are shuttered in large parts of the country, leaving children with no access to education and, worse, no safe spaces. As infrastructure crumbles, the vacuum is increasingly filled by armed groups, which lure children into their ranks with promises of food, security, or a sense of belonging.
Experts warn that these gangs exploit the vulnerability of children, using them for tasks ranging from carrying weapons to committing acts of violence. The impact is devastating—not only for the children involved but also for the broader fabric of Haitian society.
UNICEF has called on international and local stakeholders to act urgently to protect Haiti’s children. The organization emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of child recruitment, including poverty and lack of access to education.
“Children in Haiti are trapped in a vicious cycle,” Russell added. “They are both the victims of and contributors to the violence that is destroying their futures. Breaking this cycle is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial step toward stabilizing Haiti.”
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