Secretary-General Urges Security Council to Address Haiti’s Funding Crisis to Prevent Halt of Lifesaving Operations
The humanitarian crisis in Haiti has reached alarming levels, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during a recent Security Council briefing. With state authority deteriorating and gang violence rampant, millions of Haitians are suffering from displacement and violence. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international support, noting that the situation has become a life-and-death emergency for many, especially children, who are facing grave violations and a lack of basic services.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Needs
Haiti is currently experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by escalating gang violence that has disrupted daily life in Port-au-Prince and beyond. The UN Secretary-General reported that approximately 1.3 million people, including a significant number of children, have been forced to flee their homes. The situation is dire, with six million individuals requiring humanitarian assistance. Haiti has been identified as one of the world’s top five hunger hotspots, highlighting the urgent need for food and medical aid. Local aid workers are facing increasing threats, including violence and kidnapping, which further complicates the delivery of essential services. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations have managed to reach 1.3 million people in the first quarter of this year, providing critical support in the form of food, water, and medical care.
Children in Crisis
The plight of children in Haiti is particularly concerning, as they are increasingly becoming victims of violence and exploitation. In his report on children and armed conflict, Guterres noted that Haiti ranks among the top five countries for severe violations against minors. Last year, the UN verified 2,269 grave violations against 1,373 children, marking a nearly fivefold increase from the previous year. These violations include killings, maiming, and recruitment into armed groups, as well as horrific instances of sexual violence, including gang rape. The ongoing violence has disrupted education for 243,000 students, leaving many without access to basic services such as healthcare and safety. The UN has called for urgent action to protect children, including the implementation of the 2024 Handover Protocol aimed at safeguarding minors associated with armed groups.
International Response and Support
Guterres urged the international community to prioritize the protection of children and to provide the necessary support to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. He highlighted the need for coordinated international security assistance to strengthen national efforts and restore the rule of law. The Secretary-General welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Haitian leaders and security forces, which could pave the way for a more stable political environment. However, he stressed that these fragile gains must be protected through decisive action, including the establishment of an international force supported by the UN. He called for an effective arms embargo and targeted sanctions against those fueling the violence, emphasizing that cutting off the flow of weapons and funds is essential to restoring order.
Hope for the Future
Despite the overwhelming challenges, there are emerging signs of hope for Haiti’s future. Guterres expressed encouragement over the collaboration between the Transitional Presidential Council and the Prime Minister, which could help advance the political process. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) is committed to supporting an inclusive political dialogue and working closely with local authorities to ensure coordinated assistance. The Secretary-General urged all national stakeholders to seize this moment of cooperation, emphasizing that unity within Haiti, combined with international resolve, can help the Haitian people overcome their current hardships and reclaim their future. The UN remains steadfast in its commitment to stand alongside the people of Haiti in their pursuit of peace, dignity, and security.
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