The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports an alarming increase in gender-based and sexual violence (GBV) in Haiti during the first three months of 2026. Humanitarian partners documented nearly 2,000 incidents, or approximately 21 cases per day.

More than 70% of these cases involved rape, a dramatic increase compared to the previous quarter, when the figure was 49%. Most of these rapes were gang rapes, perpetrated primarily by armed groups against women and girls.

This situation follows a sharp increase in GBV recorded last year, when partners documented just over 8,000 incidents, a 25% rise compared to 2024.

Despite the worsening crisis, support services remain severely underfunded. To date, only $1.2 million of the $15 million needed has been received, barely 8%. This severely limits victims' access to emergency medical care in the critical 72 hours following an attack. It also limits psychosocial support and access to temporary emergency shelters.

Partners on the ground report that, with the resources available, some victims have nonetheless been able to access medical, psychosocial, and protection services, such as safe spaces for women and girls. However, the needs remain far greater than current capacities.

The UN and its partners in Haiti emphasize the urgent need to increase funding for health, protection, and psychosocial support services, particularly in areas most affected by gender-based violence.

OCHA calls for additional funding to strengthen services for victims and protection efforts in the areas most affected by this violence.

The humanitarian overview of the VSS is based on aggregated reports submitted by various humanitarian partners in Haiti. The data presented is cumulative.

HL/ HaitiLibre