UNICEF welcomes the release of women and children in Kenscoff and calls for stronger protection of children in Haiti

29 August 2026
Statement
2026

PORT-AU-PRINCE, 28 August 2026 - Six children and seven women who were abducted in Kenscoff last Sunday have been released. The children include three children under the age of two, a seven-year-old and two teenage girls. UNICEF and community leaders supported efforts that contributed to their release, ending days of captivity. 


“This release offers a rare moment of hope amid the violence threatening children in Haiti,” said UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti, Yannig Dussart. “The Kenscoff abduction was not an isolated incident but another stark reminder of the scale and frequency of attacks on children across the country.”


Armed violence continues to grip Haiti, placing children in continued danger. Killings, abductions and other grave violations have become a consistent threat to children.


UNICEF continues to work with all key stakeholders to strengthen child protection systems, support children affected by violence, and enable their recovery and reintegration. UNICEF calls on all armed actors in Haiti to cease attacks on children and release any children still held immediately and ensure their protection at all times.

Media contacts

Salwa Moussa
Chief of Communication and Advocacy
UNICEF Haïti
Tel: +509 46971003

À propos de l'UNICEF

L'UNICEF promeut les droits et le bien-être de chaque enfant, dans tout ce que nous faisons. En collaboration avec nos partenaires, nous travaillons dans 190 pays et territoires pour traduire cet engagement en action concrète, en concentrant nos efforts sur les enfants les plus vulnérables et les plus exclus, au bénéfice de tous les enfants, partout dans le monde.

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