ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. Jan. 15, 2025: Over one million people have been displaced in Haiti due to escalating gang violence, according to recent data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Children make up at least half of this displaced population, which has tripled in size within the past year.
The surge in displacement is attributed to a significant increase in gang-related violence that has wreaked havoc across the nation, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince. This relentless turmoil has led to a collapse of healthcare and essential services, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The IOM reports that approximately 1,041,000 individuals, many of whom have faced multiple displacements, are enduring dire living conditions. This figure reflects a dramatic rise from just 315,000 displaced persons reported in December 2023, with children being the most vulnerable demographic in this crisis.
Adding to the distress, nearly 200,000 individuals have been forcibly returned to Haiti, primarily from the Dominican Republic. Despite sharing the island of Hispaniola, the severe challenges in Haiti have made reintegration for these returnees almost impossible.
Gang violence has sharply increased since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, leading to armed groups establishing control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. Efforts to curb this violence, including the arrival of a UN-backed multinational security force in June 2024, have yet to yield significant results.
According to the UN Human Rights Office, over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, marking a 20% increase from 2023. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for action to address the humanitarian situation and restore safety for the Haitian population.
