In a note published Sunday, November 24, 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reveals that the number of children recruited by armed groups in Haiti has increased by 70% in one year, "Currently, nearly half of the members of armed groups are children [under 18 according to the UN definition]" reveals UNICEF. This unprecedented peak, recorded between the 2nd quarters of 2023 and 2024, shows a worsening of the child protection crisis," worries the UN organization.

"The children of Haiti are trapped in a vicious circle: they are recruited into the armed groups that fuel their despair, and their numbers continue to increase," said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director and Senior Advocate for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee for Haiti.

In the face of this dramatic situation, UNICEF urges all parties in Haiti, including security forces and the Government, to "Prioritize the safety and protection of all children and ensure that they are treated first and foremost as children, taking all necessary measures to prevent further killings and injuries of children, including those recruited.

Support the immediate release of children recruited by armed groups and their immediate handover to civilian child protection actors for recovery and reintegration.

Ensure that the rights and protection of all children in Haiti are at the heart of any current and future agenda. Children must be protected from recruitment, sexual violence and other forms of violence, and have safe access to basic services, including education, health, nutrition and child protection."

HL/ HaitiLibre