In Haiti, hundreds of thousands of children trapped by violence and the humanitarian crisis. IBESR and UNICEF call for immediate action to protect children

Port-au-Prince, November 20 – On World Children’s Day, the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) join forces to highlight the humanitarian and security crisis that is worsening the plight of children and their families in Haiti. While children worldwide celebrate their rights, Haitian children live daily in uncertainty, fear and mass displacement.

An intolerable impact: children as primary victims of an unprecedented crisis

Haiti is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, with children among its primary victims. More than 700,000 people, including 365,000 children, have been displaced, forced to flee armed violence. Deprived of their homes and schools, these children face disrupted lives and a severely compromised future.

In just a few days, nearly 20,000 additional people have been forced to abandon their homes due to rising insecurity in Port-au-Prince.

Education under threat

Nearly 400,000 children in Haiti are now denied their fundamental right to education, a cornerstone of their development and future. School closures, with many schools repurposed as shelters for displaced families, deprive children not only of academic learning but also of a safe and structured environment. This jeopardizes their stability and chances of building a future, leaving them to grow up in fear and uncertainty.

“Haitian children face unprecedented challenges,” said Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, Director-General of IBESR. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure their protection, hope and the chance to build a better future.”

Child recruitment by armed groups

The crisis leaves many children vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. Lacking protection, schooling and economic alternatives, they are robbed of their childhood and innocence. UNICEF and IBESR continue to work with authorities and partners to protect these children, provide psychosocial support and support them in rebuilding their lives.

A health system on the brink

Nearly 45% of health facilities in Haiti are closed or non-functional due to insecurity. This deprives thousands of children of essential medical care, exposing them to malnutrition and diseases that severely impact their well-being. Furthermore, insecurity increasingly hinders humanitarian access, complicating efforts to address the urgent needs of the Haitian population.

Escalating gender-based violence

Women and girls in Haiti face a surge in gender-based violence, with reported cases increasing by 1,000%. This crisis heightens their vulnerability, severely compromising their rights and well-being.

We cannot wait any longer

In light of this alarming reality, IBESR and UNICEF call for mobilization by the international community, the Haitian government and partners to protect the rights of Haiti’s children. Each day without action deepens the wounds and jeopardizes the future of thousands of children.

“Every child deserves to grow up in safety and with opportunities,” emphasized Geeta Narayan, UNICEF Representative in Haiti. “We must intensify our efforts to address this crisis.”

IBESR and UNICEF actions to meet children's needs

Recognizing the urgency, the Ministry of Social Affairs/IBESR, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Public Health and Population, UNICEF and implementing partners deployed a humanitarian response to protect children and their families:

• Establishing safe spaces where displaced children can receive psychosocial support, rest and play securely.
• Creating transit and orientation centers to host and support children formerly associated with armed groups.
• Reintegrating 137 children freed from armed groups into society.
• Training 360 key stakeholders, including members of the National Police, MSS and other institutions, on children’s rights, protection during armed conflicts, care protocols and prevention of gender-based violence.
• Distributing school supplies and essential kits to ensure educational continuity and meet the basic needs of children and their families.
• Supporting health facilities by providing medical supplies and coordinating mobile clinics to deliver healthcare to families in displacement sites.
• Supplying clean water and hygiene kits to help families protect themselves from waterborne diseases.
• Distributing cash transfers to enable the most vulnerable displaced families to meet their essential needs.
• Conducting community awareness campaigns on children’s rights and implementing training and protection programmes to prevent violence, support victims and help released children reintegrate into society and regain a secure environment.

Act now to protect Haiti’s children

Today, more than ever, collective action is vital to ensure every child in Haiti has hope for a better future. IBESR and UNICEF call for strengthening actions to build a sustainable protection system, enabling every child to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. On this World Children’s Day, let us remember that all children have a fundamental right to peace, health, education and dignity.