Haiti faces a grim actuality because the variety of youngsters recruited by armed gangs has surged by 70% inside a 12 months. These minors now represent practically half of the gang members in a nation suffering from violence, based on a latest UNICEF report.
UNICEF’s assertion reveals that this unprecedented improve, noticed between the second quarters of 2023 and 2024, highlights a worsening disaster. It emphasizes the pressing want for enhanced youngster safety efforts.
The company underscores that youngsters presently make up about half of the armed teams’ members. The report attributes this alarming pattern to escalating violence, widespread poverty, lack of academic entry, and the near-collapse of important providers.
UNICEF’s Government Director, Catherine Russell, emphasised that Haitian youngsters are trapped in a vicious cycle. They’re recruited by the identical armed teams that perpetuate their despair, with their numbers constantly rising.
As well as, Russell insists that reversing this unacceptable pattern requires prioritizing the security and well-being of minors. This should stay the main target for all stakeholders concerned.
Since late February, Haiti has been grappling with elevated gang assaults linked to murders, kidnappings, and widespread sexual violence.
Nevertheless, these gangs management roughly 80% of Port-au-Prince and steadily goal civilians. This happens regardless of the deployment of a UN-backed safety help drive led by Kenya earlier this 12 months.
In a big improvement, the previous police officer turned gang chief Jimmy Chérisier, generally known as “Barbecue,” fashioned a coalition of armed teams this 12 months. Their purpose was to drive out unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who resigned in April.
After weeks of energy struggles, the transitional presidential council lately ousted his successor, Garry Conille. The council appointed Alix Didier Fils-Aimé in his place.
