Press Release, 15 January 2025 -  Eleven months have passed since the outbreak of violence and terror that has left Haiti under siege by criminal organisations and gangs. Rescuing the country, especially its children, from an unprecedented crisis of violence, hunger, and forced displacement is essential, reported the humanitarian, Christian, and development organisation, World Vision.

“This has been a year of anguish and fear for the country, that is being held hostage by gangs. Over a million children are out of school. Thousands of families suffer from hunger and lack access to healthcare services and essential supplies, which are blocked by gangs controlling 90% of the capital — Port-au-Prince — and besieging access to and from rural areas,” explained Lesly Michaud, Country Director for World Vision.

Since February 2024, the surge of violence led by "Viv Ansam," a type of gang coalition, has claimed the lives of over 5,000 people. Furthermore, more than 2,000 women and girls have suffered sexual violence under a regime of terror that has isolated the capital city and blocked access to rural areas.

World Vision warns this protracted insecurity and hunger crisis is deepening hunger and malnutrition, in a country where more than 5 million Haitians face food insecurity, according to the UN.

“The social cost of this crisis of hunger and malnutrition is exponential, when we consider the irreversible harm to the physical health and cognitive development of millions of children deprived of the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Additionally, the loss of education among thousands of children, adolescents, and young people due to the closure of more than 1,000 schools will cause immeasurable costs to this generation, in terms of loss of opportunities,” said Michaud.

The disruption in supply chains caused by the closure and inoperability of airports and ports has led to a sharp increase in food prices. The price of rice has risen by 75%, and the price of milk has increased by 56%.  

“In response to this reality, World Vision provides direct economic assistance, distributes food, and promotes self-sustaining food production in family and community units. However, our efforts pale in comparison to the magnitude and severity of this crisis. We will not stop seeking help and calling for international solidarity. As long as one child goes hungry, we will persist. There is enough food in the world to meet their needs,” Michaud concluded.