UNICEF urges all parties to safeguard children amid latest unrest in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, 8 February 2024 – UNICEF is deeply concerned by recent reports highlighting the violence faced and witnessed by children during the current socio-political events in Haiti. We urge all stakeholders to ensure that children are protected, regardless of their situation.

Protecting children should be the priority. UNICEF calls on everyone to protect children and take all necessary measures to prevent their exposure to violent events, which could jeopardize their safety and lives.

Working closely with government and partners, UNICEF is tirelessly monitoring the situation and doing its utmost to ensure that prevention and care services remain operational at all levels.

The escalating violence is simply too much for Haiti’s children to bear. Children and families are already enduring relentless waves of brutal violence perpetrated by armed groups in their neighborhoods, with each day bringing new horrors, the loss of loved ones, homes being destroyed by fires or bullets, and an ever-present shadow of fear.

The population is facing some of the worst human rights violations and threats to their lives in the country’s recent history. Years of political turmoil, poverty, institutional and socioeconomic crises, disease outbreaks, increased rates of malnutrition, disasters and escalating armed violence have left over 3 million children in need of humanitarian assistance. Many more children will need support if the humanitarian situation deteriorates further. The longer this crisis persists, the deeper its impact may cause irreversible harm to children’s well-being.

The current socio-political unrest has already led to the interruption of essential social services such as education, health, and protection, and is impacting the mental and physical well-being of children. We encourage all stakeholders, including authorities at all levels, to cease the violence and focus on safely reopening and providing essential social services for children where they were previously nonfunctional.

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For more information, please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.