U.N.I.C.E.F. says one of its aid containers at Haiti’s main port was looted as gangs increasingly control the capital. The unelected prime minister, Ariel Henry, mentioned that he would step down once a transitional council is in place. Currently, heavily armed gangs have taken over much of the city, and human rights groups have reported widespread killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

In a statement, Bruno Maes, U.N.I.C.E.F.’s Haiti representative, highlighted, “Looting of supplies that are essential for life-saving support for children must end immediately, and humanitarian access must remain safe.” According to C.N.N., the bloodshed has continued in recent days, with several bandits killed during a police operation in a Port-au-Prince neighborhood. A statement from the Haitian National Police read, “New strategies are being implemented by the police institution to reclaim some areas occupied by these armed gangs in recent days, to facilitate the free movement of peaceful citizens.”

In Haiti, scarce safe havens endure amidst rampant gang violence, with gangs barricading all routes out of Port-au-Prince. Despite valiant efforts by the national police, their resources are severely constrained in the face of escalating gang activities. Moreover, all entry points to ports and the international airport have been obstructed, exacerbating the crisis and further isolating the nation from vital assistance and support. This dire situation in Haiti not only poses immediate threats to the safety and well-being of its citizens but also hampers the nation’s ability to access essential supplies, aid, and support from the international community. The pervasive gang violence highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of gang activity and restore order and security in the region.

Since January, the deteriorating security situation in Haiti has continued to worsen the humanitarian crisis. According to U.N.I.C.E.F., three out of four women and children do not have access to public health and nutrition interventions in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. In 2024, U.N.I.C.E.F.’s plan for Haiti is to continue scaling up the humanitarian response by increasing access to and maintenance of aid services.

Maes concludes that “Flexible funding will help us protect more children and communities in need today and go towards building more resilient systems to protect children in the future. We remain committed to delivering aid despite the ever-changing realities on the ground, even in hard-to-reach and most challenging areas.” U.N.I.C.E.F. aims to reach at least 650,000 children and women, aiding them in accessing primary healthcare services.