Child Gang Recruitment Surges 70% in Haiti

Haiti is facing a severe crisis as gang recruitment of children has surged by 70% over the past year, with minors now constituting up to half of all gang members, according to UNICEF. This alarming trend is occurring amidst escalating violence, deepening poverty, and a political landscape marked by instability, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where gangs control approximately 85% of the city. UNICEF representatives highlight that children are often coerced into roles as informers or forced into domestic servitude and sexual exploitation. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that over 60% of Haitians live on less than $4 a day, making families vulnerable to gang promises of security and income. UNICEF urges immediate action to protect children, emphasizing the need for their rights to be prioritized, including safe access to essential services. The organization has initiated various programs to support affected children, including rehabilitation for former child soldiers and community sensitization against violence.