Gangs in Haiti Recruit Unprecedented Number of Minors, UNICEF Reports

Protection Concerns Grow in Violent Caribbean Nation

The United Nations Organization for the Protection of Children (UNICEF) has reported a significant surge in the recruitment of children by gangs in Haiti, highlighting a growing protection concern in the violent Caribbean nation. According to a study published on November 25, 2024, last year saw a 70% increase in the recruitment of children.

Children Trapped in Vicious Cycle

Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF and the leading advocate for Haiti on the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, stated that children in Haiti are trapped in a vicious cycle – recruited into the very armed groups that are fueling their desperation, and the numbers are growing. Russell added that this unacceptable trend must be reversed by ensuring children’s safety and welfare are prioritized by all parties.

Violence and Poverty Fuel Gang Recruitment

The study is released at a time when Haitian violence is not showing any signs of stopping, poverty is growing, and political uncertainty is causing further unrest. The goal of gangs, who now control 85% of Port-au-Prince, the capital, is to take complete control of the city. UNICEF’s representative in Haiti, Geeta Narayan, stated that young boys are frequently utilized as informers “because they’re invisible and not seen as a threat.” Some are armed and coerced into taking part in assaults. In the meanwhile, gang members compel girls to cook, clean, and even serve as their “wives.”

Children’s Lives at Risk

“They’re not doing this voluntarily,” Narayan said. “Even when they are armed with weapons, the child here is the victim.” According to a UN Security Council study, one young person in a gang claimed to get $33 every Saturday, while another claimed to have received thousands of dollars during his first month of involvement in a gang operation. Children and families are becoming increasingly desperate in some cases because of the extreme poverty.

Vigilante Movement Gains Traction

A vigilante movement that started last year to target suspected gang members is gaining traction, proving that gangs are not the only menace. According to UNICEF, children “are often viewed with suspicion, and risk being branded as spies or even killed by vigilante movements. When they defect or refuse to join the violence, their lives and safety are immediately at risk.”

UNICEF Calls for Action

UNICEF is calling for action to prioritize children’s safety and welfare. The organization is urging all parties to work together to ensure that children are protected from the violence and exploitation.

Conclusion

The recruitment of children by gangs in Haiti is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. UNICEF is working to protect children and ensure their safety and well-being. It is essential that all parties work together to address this issue and ensure that children are protected from the violence and exploitation.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation in Haiti?
A: Haiti is experiencing violence, poverty, and political uncertainty, which is fueling the recruitment of children by gangs.

Q: What is the impact of gang recruitment on children?
A: Children are being forced to participate in violent activities, including armed assaults and sexual exploitation.

Q: What is UNICEF doing to address this issue?
A: UNICEF is working to protect children and ensure their safety and well-being. The organization is urging all parties to work together to address this issue.

Q: What can be done to prevent children from being recruited by gangs?
A: It is essential to address the root causes of poverty and violence in Haiti, and to provide children with access to education and alternative opportunities.