The country of Haiti is collapsing in on itself after recent gang attacks have overrun the majority of the country’s main cities. Citizens of the country are affected by these attacks daily, which have caused catastrophic effects on the island country, seemingly getting worse and worse day by day. These violent attacks began in Haiti around February this year, after political disrupture from Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry traveled to Kenya to secure a deal for international security forces to be deployed in Haiti. Haiti has suffered from gang violence and culture for years, but the recent attacks have seemed to be much more devastating than ever, affecting millions.
Catherine Russell, the current Executive Director of UNICEF, spoke at a recent UN meeting, discussing the tragedies unfolding in Haiti. Russell reported that many essential services in the country have collapsed to being overrun by gangs, wreaking havoc on citizens and their essential needs. Universities and libraries have been looted and burned, as well as pharmacies, and the forced closure of one of the largest hospitals in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
The damage has caused severe tragedy among the children of Haiti. Three million children in Haiti are without humanitarian services due to service deliveries being halted by the gang’s control. It is reported that more than 360,000 children have been displaced from their families due to the ongoing violence, with children often becoming victims of the violence. Due to displacements, many children have even joined these gangs, out of hopelessness and desperation.
Prime Minister Henry has agreed to let a new presidential council step in to help alleviate the ongoing situation in Haiti, however, no progress has been made due to internal conflicts. Russell added in her speech that 90% of Haiti’s capital is controlled by gang members. According to a report from UNICEF, it is believed that 2.7 million people live in areas controlled by gang regimes.
