Recent waves of violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, have resulted in the forced displacement of more than 23,000 people in just one week. Armed groups have targeted neighborhoods such as Carrefour-Feuilles, Bas Peu de Chose, Avenue Christophe, Bois Verna, and Morne-á-Tuf, creating a humanitarian crisis.
Key details:
Scale of displacement: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 15,000 people were displaced in one week in early March 2024. Many of these people had previously been displaced due to ongoing violence.
Humanitarian Needs: Urgent needs include food, health care, water, sanitation, and psychological support for displaced families. Many are unable to meet basic needs due to the disruption caused by the violence.
Context of Violence: Port-au-Prince is under virtual siege by armed gangs. The violence has not only displaced residents, but also disrupted access to essential services and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Wider crisis: The displacement crisis is part of a broader trend of escalating violence in Haiti. By January 2025, more than 1 million people had been displaced nationwide due to gang-related violence, with children making up more than half of the displaced population.
Humanitarian response:
Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, humanitarian organizations such as IOM continue to provide life-saving assistance. However, long-term solutions and investment in government services are critical to addressing the root causes of this crisis.
This situation underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and comprehensive action to restore stability in Haiti.