World Vision warns of increasing hunger, sexual violence and limited access to health services for children in Haiti 

• In 2023 over 5,000 people died due to gang activity 

• More than 15,000 have been people displaced since violent surge on February 29th 

• Insecurity and skyrocketing food prices will increase forced displacement and migration 

March 13, 2024 - World Vision Latin America and the Caribbean has expressed its deep concern over the increasing hunger, forced displacement and limitations in access to medical services suffered by Haitian children following the escalation of violence in recent weeks. 

Since February 29th, the intensification of violent actions by criminal gangs, and clashes with police in the capital -Port-au-Prince-, has exacerbated food insecurity and deepened prevailing precarious conditions in Haiti, according to the child focused NGO. 

It is estimated that in Haiti, 8.2 million people – 72% of a total of 11.4 million inhabitants – suffer from food insecurity. The violent actions of gangs that have taken control of vast areas of the capital have precipitated the rise in prices of basic goods, such as eggs. In some stores, the price of eggs has increased by 40 to 100 per cent. 

"The restriction on free mobility, the closure of businesses, and the difficulties in the supply of products is exacerbating hunger in a country where food insecurity and malnutrition is already chronic.  Children are the most affected; thousands have no food, several medical centres have closed due to insecurity, and too many have been displaced due to violence," said Joao Diniz, Regional Leader of World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). 

World Vision LAC calls on the international community to ensure the protection of children in one of the most critical moments the country has faced. Likewise, it requests the assurance of a humanitarian corridor to provide essential assistance to vulnerable families. 

In addition to hunger, the violent actions of gangs has exacerbated sexual violence against girls and women and has also prevented thousands of children from accessing education due to the prevailing danger on the streets of the capital city, Port au Prince. 

It is estimated that since February 29th, when the escalation of gang violence intensified, more than 15,000 people were forcedly displaced in search of safety. In 2023, the actions of these groups left over 5,000 victims, and it is estimated that the total number of displaced persons in the country amounts to 362,000. 

"Restoring safe conditions to provide humanitarian aid in Haiti is urgent. Failure to do so anticipates a deterioration in the living conditions of children and an increase in irregular migration flows of people fleeing extreme poverty, insecurity, and hunger," stated Diniz. 

ENDS. 

Note to Editor 

World Vision is providing essential humanitarian assistance by providing food, water, and psychosocial support to the most vulnerable children. However, the needs are immense. To support, you can visit www.worldvisionamericalatina.org.