Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti Escalates Amid Ongoing Violence
As a siege imposed by heavily armed gangs on Port-au-Prince, Haiti, stretches into a second month, the UN migration agency sounded an alarm on Thursday about the ever-worsening humanitarian situation. The surge of violence since February this year has reached unprecedented levels, resulting in rampant food insecurity and multiple displacements, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Challenges Faced by Families
As the country grapples with this unparalleled crisis, IOM said families continue to struggle to secure even the most basic necessities as desperation exacerbates.
Unparalleled Security Challenges
“While assistance provision was easier during the aftermath of earthquakes, today, it is an increasingly daunting task,” said Philippe Branchat, head of IOM in Haiti. “Humanitarian staff, including our own, are facing unparalleled security challenges, balancing the imperative to assist others with the stark realities of personal risk and displacement.”
Impact Beyond Port-au-Prince
The crisis extends its reach far beyond the confines of Port-au-Prince, affecting communities across Haiti and leaving over 360,000 people displaced nationwide, the UN agency said.
Growing Desperation
Desperation is growing as the lack of economic opportunities, collapsing health system, and shuttered schools drive many to contemplate migration as their sole viable recourse, according to the IOM team.
Forced Returns and Humanitarian Assistance
Despite the worsening security situation, IOM said 13,000 migrants were forcibly returned to Haiti by neighboring countries in March, 46% more than the previous month. Nearly 3,000 of them have received humanitarian assistance upon arrival, with an additional 1,200 migrants benefiting from psychosocial support, according to IOM.
Delivering Aid to Those in Need
IOM and partners are delivering assistance to the areas where it is most needed. In March, more than 1.5 million liters of water were delivered to sites hosting internally displaced people, reaching more than 23,500 people. Essential items such as blankets, water containers, solar lamps, and kitchen sets have also been distributed to more than 18,000 people, the agency said.
