Haitian Children Caught in Crossfire: Save the Children Urges Action

At least five Haitian children are being killed or injured weekly in 2024 due to gang violence. Save the Children calls for urgent action from the United Nations and security forces to protect children. Progress has been slow, with only 400 Kenyan police deployed, while gang violence continues to ravage the capital.

At least five Haitian children are being killed or injured every week so far in 2024, according to Save the Children, who issued a call on Tuesday for more effective protection measures from the United Nations and security forces. The situation follows Haiti's 2022 plea for a security mission to combat violent gangs overwhelming the capital.

Despite these calls, progress has been sluggish, with only 400 Kenyan police assigned by a U.N.-approved mission arriving in Haiti. Countries have also been slow to fulfill commitments of funds, personnel, and equipment. The charity cited U.N. data indicating at least 131 children were casualties in the first six months of 2024, often from stray bullets or reprisals.

Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, the charity's Haiti director, underscored the dire situation, highlighting mass displacements and rampant kidnappings and sexual assaults. By early August, gang violence had displaced nearly 6,000 residents in Ganthier. Save the Children urges the U.N. Security Council to hold violators accountable and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

(With inputs from agencies.)