Violence in Haiti is getting worse, especially in the capital city and nearby areas. Armed gangs are killing people and committing sexual violence. The United Nations is worried about the situation.
Ulrika Richardson said to UN reporters in an online meeting from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, that the amount of violence people experience is like being treated in a cruel and unfair way.
During her time at the United Nations, Richardson said she saw things that were worse than anything she had ever seen before.
She said that men, women, and children are going through a lot of pain and suffering. She pointed out that sexual violence increased by 50% between 2022 and 2023 and 314,000 Haitians have left their homes to escape the violence. Many of them are now living on the streets and in schools, and they need help.
Richardson stated that 5. 5 million people in Haiti need help, with 4. 4 million – about 40% of the population – having a big problem getting enough food.
The UN just asked for money to help people in need. They want $674 million, and half of it will be used to buy food.
Even though the needs are greater this year, Richardson said the request for help is smaller than the US$720 million request for 2023, which only received 34 percent of the funding.
She said that the UN is trying harder to work with local groups in Haiti and is finding that it is working well. They are now figuring out how to work even better with these groups.
Since the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, Armed gangs have become stronger and there is more trouble with the government. Before he was killed, people were protesting and calling for him to step down because of corruption and because they said his time as president was finished.
In 2023, over 8,400 people were reported killed, injured or kidnapped, which is more than twice the number reported in 2022. The gangs keep on fighting for control of the area and are thought to have control of about 80 percent of Port-au-Prince.
Kenya said they would lead a big group of police to help make Haiti peaceful again. This was approved by the UN in October. It’s not clear when or if the soldiers will be sent because a court in Kenya said in January that it’s not allowed. The government of the East African country is asking for another decision to be made.
On Monday, the United States said it will give money, equipment, and logistical support to help bring peace to Haiti. They are still not sure when a multinational force will be sent there.
When she was asked if Haitians want help from a multinational force, she said, “If you ask people on the street if they want help dealing with gang violence, they will say yes. “
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UN requests US$674 million as sexual and murderous gang violence in Haiti increases
