UN Report Exposes Massive Child Exploitation by Gangs in Haiti.

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A recent United Nations (UN) report has unveiled the massive extent of child exploitation and abuse in Haiti. As armed groups traffic underage boys and girls and force them into criminal activities, the international community is calling for concrete actions to stop further human rights violations.

The report, published by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, highlighted that 26 armed groups currently operate in and around Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Estimates indicate that forcibly recruited children make up between 30% and 50% of these groups. Young boys and girls are forced to undertake dangerous tasks that strengthen the groups’ power in the region. In particular, boys are used to carry weapons and ammunition, collect extortion payments, participate in kidnappings and combat, and monitor police movements. In addition, some are forced to undergo violent initiation rituals intended to isolate them from their families and communities, including beatings and forced involvement in rapes and murders. 

Girls, on the other hand, are subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse, including forced relationships with adult gang members. They are also made to take care of household chores while also being used to gather information, support criminal activities, and, in some cases, carry weapons. Kids and families who attempt to flee face the risk of violent repercussions.

Haiti has been affected by insecurity and a deep humanitarian crisis for many years now. Armed gangs control  large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. Their aim is to confront national forces and seize power and control of the region. The consequences of their action on the population are extremely severe, as gang activity prevents citizens from accessing basic services such as healthcare and education. The most vulnerable families are particularly affected, as poverty rises they are unable to prevent the forced recruitment of their children. In addition, hunger, lack of education, and financial desperation drive many kids to join gangs. As one victim explained: “I joined a gang to avenge my father’s death. He was killed by a rival gang while going to work. I quickly gained the trust of the older gang members. They became like my family.”.

National authorities and local NGOs, with the aid of international organizations such as the UN, have been implementing policies and strategies to try to mitigate the problem. For example, several NGOs have introduced vocational training programs to provide young people with alternatives to gang life and access to employment opportunities. Schools are considered one of the best ways to prevent further recruitments. Through the construction of canteens, building renovations, temporary classrooms, and financial assistance for families, the UN continues to promote children's school attendance. 

However, the report emphasizes that current responses are inadequate, fragmented, and underfunded, despite ongoing efforts by the government, civil society, and international organizations.

The international community is urging local authorities to take serious and concrete action to stop the recruitment and exploitation of Haitian children, while also helping victims recover from abuse and reintegrate into society. Human Rights Watch has stressed that schools must provide safe spaces for these children and could expand the availability of psychosocial services and community-based reintegration initiatives. “For the immediate and long-term future of Haiti, it is crucial that national authorities and their international partners work hand-in-hand to build stronger communities and social protection mechanisms. Children must be at the center of our response to the security crisis in Haiti,” said Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Haiti. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterated this message, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that children’s rights are respected during the planning and execution of operations against gangs.

written by Ludovica Muncibì