A life strewn with fear

Port-au-Prince, October 11, 2024 - In Haiti, the situation for girls is becoming increasingly dire. Armed groups violence and growing instability are impacting the country, leaving young girls on the frontlines of devastating consequences. Repeated attacks and widespread insecurity threaten not only their physical safety but also their mental wellbeing and their future.

An alarming reality

“While fleeing our home because of the violence, my biggest fear was being assaulted and raped by the bandits,” recounts Isabella*, 14 years old. Like her, thousands of girls are forced to leave their homes, often at great risk to their safety. Displaced persons sites, meant to be places of refuges, often become places of insecurity where girls faced gender-based violence, including assaults and harassment.

The precarious living conditions in these sites make their situation even more challenging. Cynthia*, also 14 years old, explains: “We cannot wash ourselves in proper conditions; our privacy is not respected.” These violations of fundamental rights undermine their dignity and increase their vulnerability.

Education is essential for the empowerment and protection of girls.

Deprived of access to education, these young girls see their futures compromised and their safety at greater risk. Violence and instability often push them to abandon school, exposing them to dangers such as kidnapping or recruitment into armed groups.

“I dream of going back to school to find a little peace,” declares one girl. For them, education represents a refuge, a means to rebuild themselves and gain essential skills for their future.

Initiatives for a better future

To address this crisis, UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, has launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening the protection of girls. Awareness sessions are organized in the displaced persons sites to educate youth about gender-based violence, as well as exploitation and sexual abuse. Additionally, the “Espas Mwen” project allows girls and women to access basic materials,promoting their dignity and helping them to return to school.

UNICEF is also establishing child-friendly spaces in the displaced persons sites. These spaces provide girls with access to a non-formal education and benefit from psychosocial services, playing a crucial role in their rehabilitation and social integration.

The protection of girls in Haiti is an absolute priority. UNICEF calls on all stakeholders to ensure a safe and protective environment for girls. By investing in education while strengthening protection, we create a virtuous cycle that allows girls to thrive and contribute to the future of their country.

*The girls' names have been changed for reasons of confidentiality.