The recruitment of children by armed groups in Haiti has surged by 70% over the past year, according to a statement released by UNICEF.
The rights group reveals that children now constitute nearly half of gang members in the country.
Haiti, already grappling with decades of political instability, has seen a sharp escalation in violence. Gangs currently control about 80% of Port-au-Prince, the nation's capital, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
UNICEF highlighted the troubling trend, noting that this spike occurred between the second quarters of 2023 and 2024. The rise underscores an intensifying child protection crisis in the violence-stricken Caribbean nation.
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Key factors driving this surge include rampant violence, extreme poverty, limited access to education, and the near-total collapse of essential infrastructure.
"Children in Haiti are caught in a devastating cycle, becoming part of the very armed groups perpetuating their plight," said Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director. "This unacceptable reality must change, with urgent action needed to safeguard their welfare and ensure their safety."
The organization is calling for immediate measures to prioritize the protection and well-being of Haiti's children, aiming to break the cycle of violence and exploitation.
