Ongoing violence continues to threaten the well-being of children and women in Haiti. Latest reports received by UNICEF reveal that kidnappings have exploded, with nearly 300 confirmed cases in the first 6 months of 2023; this figure almost equals the total number of documented cases for all of last year and almost triples that of 2021.

"In most cases, women and children are forcibly taken away by armed groups, who use them for financial or tactical purposes. Victims who manage to return home bear deep physical and psychological scars, likely to last for many years."

"The stories told to us by UNICEF colleagues and partners in the field are shocking and unacceptable," said Gary Conille, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Children are not commodities. They are not currency and they should never be exposed to such violence. The growing trend of kidnappings and abductions is extremely worrying, threatening both the Haitian people and those who have come to their aid."

"In addition to this situation of children and women being kidnapped from the streets and exposed to deep trauma and anguish, there are reports that local health systems are on the verge of collapse and schools are being attacked; all this puts populations under constant terror."

UNICEF is urgently calling for the immediate release and safe return of all those kidnapped in Haiti. As violence continues to claim innocent lives, UNICEF, together with partners, is providing lifesaving assistance that ensures access to medical care, psychosocial support and safe spaces where children can begin the healing process. and recovery.

HL/ HaiLibre