Surge in violence in Haiti forces more than 40,000 from homes

Last month the prime minister of the transitional presidential council was removed. Since then, violence has continued to worsen in the Caribbean nation.

More than 40,000 people have been displaced due to the unrest. Concern is supporting these newly displaced people with clean water through water trucking, and psychosocial support. 

“Haitian people are facing crisis after crisis, with no chance to recover or lead a normal and peaceful life. What we are witnessing is full-blown security, protection and hunger crisis. While markets may still have food, violence and security mean that people in Haiti can neither access it, nor afford it,” said Kwanli Kladstrup, Country Director with Concern in Haiti. 

“Life is a daily struggle for survival and the population don’t know what to expect as they have been living in uncertainty of ‘what next’ for so many years now. This is a critical transition time for Haiti, and we must ensure that it does not get lost among the growing number of international crises.”

The number of civilian casualties continues to rise, while attacks against humanitarian and medical personnel have increased. There’s been a spike in gender-based violence, and hospitals, health centres and schools are struggling to provide vital basic services. According to the UN, 94% of women and girls in Haiti now are at risk of gender-based violence. 

5.5 million Haitians, approximately 45% of the country’s population, required humanitarian assistance in 2024. The numbers are predicted to grow even further next year. 

Haiti has reeled from years of violence and political instability, but 2024 witnessed unprecedented levels of violence and people forced from their homes with over 200,000 people displaced this year alone. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) puts the total number of people currently displaced across Haiti at 700,000, more than half of whom are women and children.

Concern, along with 49 other national and international organisations working in Haiti, urges all key actors in Haiti, civil society, the international community, political, religious and community leaders to act quickly to ensure the protection of the population, respect for human rights and humanitarian standards, protection of humanitarian personnel and humanitarian access to basic service structures.

The Irish humanitarian organisation has been working in Haiti for the last 30 years to address the multi-dimensional nature of extreme poverty and tackle the specific barriers that confront people living in conditions of extreme poverty. This includes emergency responses and inclusive disaster preparedness; addressing inequalities and gender-based violence; food and nutrition security; market-based livelihood support; social cohesion and peace building; and water and sanitation.

For further information contact Eilis Staunton, Media Relations Officer, Concern Worldwide, at eilis.staunton@concern.net or +353 85 872 0720.