Port-au-Prince, October 25, 2024 – More than 10,000 Haitians have been forced to flee their homes in the past week due to a surge in gang violence, according to the United Nations. The escalating attacks, particularly in the capital and surrounding areas, have displaced thousands of families, leaving many without shelter or access to basic services.
Armed gangs, which have grown in power amidst Haiti’s ongoing political and economic crisis, continue to target vulnerable neighborhoods. The violence includes shootings, kidnappings, and arson, forcing residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in makeshift camps, churches, and public spaces. Some have also sought to escape by crossing into neighboring Dominican Republic, heightening regional tensions.
“The situation in Haiti is dire,” a UN spokesperson said, warning that displacement numbers could rise if the violence continues unabated. Many of the displaced are without food, water, or medical care, exacerbating the country’s humanitarian emergency.
The UN has called on the international community to urgently provide humanitarian aid and reinforce efforts to stabilize the situation. Kenya is leading a planned multinational force aimed at supporting the Haitian police, but concerns remain about the timing and effectiveness of the mission.
Haiti’s fragile government, struggling since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, has failed to contain the spread of gangs. Much of the capital, including key areas of Port-au-Prince, is now under the control of criminal groups, making daily life increasingly precarious for civilians.
Humanitarian organizations warn that without decisive action, the crisis will worsen, leaving more Haitians displaced and at risk. The displacement highlights the urgent need for both security measures and political solutions to restore order and ease the suffering of Haiti’s population.