Thousands of Haitians deported from the Dominican Republic are greeted by expanding gang violence, hunger and lack of education
More than a thousand schools are closed, returned children are unable to pursue their goals
70 people, including infants and women, were murdered over the weekend
World Vision calls to ensure justice and respect of human rights in the deportation process
Safe humanitarian space and secure life-saving humanitarian aid for children and their families is critical in Haiti
October 8, 2024. The long standing insecurity and hunger crisis experienced by Haiti is unfolding in the shadows: Seventy people, including 10 women and three infants, were murdered last weekend, while 45 homes were burnt. The spike in violence follows the announcement of sanctions against Grand Gif gang leader, that has the country under siege; and the announcement of massive deportations, by the Dominican Republic authorities.
“Haitian children and their families are facing extreme risks of abuse, extortion, gender-based violence and death like never before. Add to the critical insecurity propelled by gang’s territorial control, heightened risks of hunger and malnutrition for children, due to exceptionally limited supplies as a result of disrupted supply chains and livelihoods”, said Lesly Michaud, Country Program Director of World Vision in Haiti.
Since February 2024, Haiti is experiencing a surge of violence orchestrated by gangs. According to the Integrated Bureau of the UN in Haiti, at least 1,379 people have been victims of armed bands, increasing to almost 3,900 the number of victims during the first half of 2024. In 2023, gang violence harmed or claimed the lives of 8,000 people.
Increased gang violence coincides with the recent announcement of neighbouring Dominican Republic’s migrations ordering mass deportations, claiming insufficient support from the international community to stabilize security in Haiti. World Vision is deeply concerned by this announcement anticipating the return of irregular migrants, at a rate of 10,000 people per week.
As a Christian and humanitarian organization World Vision believes in the power of generosity to support those facing vulnerability. However, addressing the needs of thousands of Haitian families and children displaced by gang violence and hunger is a situation that cannot be faced individually by a single State. World Vision calls for financial and technical support from the international community to address the root causes of conflict, poverty and inequality in Haiti, which exacerbate the risks of irregular migrations and internal displacement. As well, World Vision calls for a safe humanitarian space to deliver life-saving aid.
Insecurity and hunger have forced over 600,000 people to displace internally (IDPs), more than 200,000 of these are children. This trend is increasing, as thousands seek to relocate with families and friends in already fragile Haitian rural communities and in highly vulnerable border communities in the Dominican Republic.
“In the face of the massive return of Haitian nationals to their country, the international community, donors and cooperation agencies must ensure access to life-saving humanitarian aid such as access to food, health, clean water, education and protection for children and adolescents and effective security. On the other hand, the migration’s authorities of Dominican Republic must guarantee the respect of human rights of migrants and displaced populations, and especially the protection of unaccompanied children”, said Joao Diniz, Regional Director of World Vision.
World Vision is already responding in Haiti and in border communities in the Dominican Republic by providing food, water, sanitation, and child protection, as part of its Hope Without Borders response. We are empowering communities in Haiti to grow nutritious foods and develop sustainable livelihoods adapted to climate disruptions.
Over the past 6 months, an estimated 150,000 people have been returned to Haiti. World Vision is supporting returnees by providing health and nutrition kits. However, we are asking donors and cooperation agencies for immediate, decisive and solidarity-driven support to expand our capacity and increase our reach in collaboration with local partners.
ENDS.
For more information, please contact: Gabriela Becerra, Manager of Communications, Hope without Borders Response gabriela_becerra@wvi.org
Mishelle Mitchell, Regional Director of External Engagement & Advocacy, Mishelle_mitchell@wvi.org