Amnesty International has released a harrowing report shedding light on the escalating violence and exploitation faced by children in Haiti amidst ongoing civil unrest. The report, published recently, reveals alarming statistics, estimating that over one million children reside in areas controlled by armed gangs, exposing them to severe human rights abuses.
With the nation lacking a functioning president or parliament, governance has fallen to a transitional body grappling with rampant violence fueled by criminal gangs and widespread poverty. The United Nations reported that gang violence claimed the lives of more than 5,600 individuals in Haiti last year, a staggering increase from the previous year.
The report aligns with concerns raised by UNICEF in November, which indicated a 70 percent rise in gang recruitment of children. Alarmingly, it is estimated that between 30 to 50 percent of gang members in Haiti are minors.
Amnesty’s findings highlight the disturbing recruitment of children by gangs for various roles, including spying on rival factions and police, as well as mundane tasks such as deliveries and vehicle repairs. One child recounted the intense pressure to join gang activities, revealing the traumatic experiences faced by young recruits. “They killed people in front of me and asked me to burn their bodies. But I don’t have the heart for that,” he stated.
The report warns that refusal to comply with gang orders often results in deadly repercussions for the children and their families. Furthermore, Haitian girls are increasingly vulnerable to abduction, rape, and sexual assault during gang-related attacks.
One 14-year-old girl recounted a traumatic incident where a bullet struck her lip during a violent encounter, a painful reminder of the chaos around her. “I lost a huge presence in my life. Since then, I don’t know how to be happy,” she shared, reflecting the profound impact of violence on her psyche.
In addition to these grave violations, the report identifies attacks on schools and hospitals, along with the obstruction of humanitarian aid, as critical issues affecting children in Haiti. The situation underscores the urgent need for intervention and support for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
