Haiti Faces Rising Violence Against Children

Haiti faces a severe crisis as gang violence has led to at least 131 children being killed or injured in the first half of 2024, averaging five child casualties per week, according to Save the Children. The violence stems from increased gang activity and clashes with police, with children often becoming direct targets or collateral damage. Humanitarian groups are urgently calling for more robust international support, highlighting that only 400 Kenyan police officers have been deployed to combat the crisis, which many view as grossly insufficient. The dire socio-economic conditions and political instability in Haiti have exacerbated the situation, with families fleeing their homes and schools repurposed as makeshift shelters. Save the Children emphasizes the need for immediate protective measures for children, as the ongoing violence continues to devastate communities and disrupt education. The organization warns that the true scale of child casualties is likely much higher than reported due to underreporting and the chaotic conditions on the ground.