Haiti on the Brink: Hunger Crisis Escalates Amid Gang Violence

Nearly 6,000 Haitians are starving, with half the population facing severe hunger as gang violence disrupts daily life. The crisis, coupled with inflation and natural disasters, has led to widespread food insecurity and homelessness. Urgent action is needed to address this worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

Nearly 6,000 Haitians are facing starvation, with almost half of the country's 11 million people enduring crisis levels of hunger, according to a new report released Monday. Gang violence has disrupted everyday life in Port-au-Prince and beyond, exacerbating food insecurity.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report reveals that the number of Haitians in crisis, emergency, and famine levels increased by 1.2 million over the last year as gangs impede the transportation of goods. This prevents residents from venturing out to buy food. Additionally, 2 million Haitians are experiencing severe hunger.

Martine Villeneuve, Haiti director for Action Against Hunger, expressed shock at the findings. The situation is worsened by double-digit inflation, recent natural disasters, and the ongoing gang violence that has left over 700,000 homeless in recent years. The urgent call for intervention is clear as the situation deteriorates.

(With inputs from agencies.)