More than 700,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Haiti due to escalating gang violence, according to the United Nations.
The situation has become dire, particularly for children, who make up more than half of those affected.
The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) revealed that as of early September, 702,973 individuals have been forced to flee their homes.
This marks a staggering 22 percent increase in the number of internally displaced people since June.
In a statement, IOM’s chief in Haiti, Gregoire Goodstein, emphasized the urgent need for international assistance.
He noted the sharp rise in displacement underscores the necessity for a sustained humanitarian response.
Currently, about 75 percent of the displaced population is seeking refuge in Haiti’s provinces.
The remainder remains in Port-au-Prince, where conditions are precarious and overcrowded, often lacking basic services.
The IOM reported that 83 percent of displaced individuals are being hosted by families, straining local resources.
Host households are experiencing significant challenges, including food shortages and overwhelmed healthcare systems.
In a recent development, the UN human rights office stated that over 3,600 people have been killed this year due to gang violence.
The UN Security Council has approved a multinational force, led by Kenya, to assist Haitian police in restoring stability.
