More than a million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, according to alarming new figures released on Tuesday January 14, 2025 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The latest data reveals that 1,041,000 people, many displaced multiple times, are struggling amidst an intensifying humanitarian crisis. Children bear the greatest burden of displacement, making up over half of the displaced population.

This marks a threefold increase in displacement within a year, rising from 315,000 in December 2023 to over a million. In the capital alone, displacement has nearly doubled, rising by 87 per cent fueled by relentless gang violence, the collapse of essential services - particularly healthcare - and worsening food insecurity. This represents the highest recorded number of displacement due to violence in Haiti, underscoring the urgent needs for security and assistance.

"Haiti needs sustained humanitarian assistance right now to save and protect lives," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "We must work together to address the root causes of the violence and instability that has led to so much death and destruction."

The majority of the displaced originate from the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. Many are seeking refuge in Haiti’s provinces, overwhelming host communities and straining limited resources. In the Artibonite department, displacement tripled in 2024, reaching over 84,000 people, highlighting the spread of violence beyond the Haitian capital.

Eighty-three per cent of displaced Haitians rely on already overstretched host communities, such as acquaintances, friends and families, for shelter, while the remaining struggle to cope in spontaneous sites.

Displacement sites, particularly concentrated in the capital, have grown significantly in number, increasing from 73 to 108 within a year. These sites are severely overcrowded and lack adequate access to essential services such as food, clean water, sanitation, and education. Reports from these sites reveal deteriorating conditions, with families struggling to survive in makeshift shelters while facing mounting health and protection risks.

Despite the challenges, IOM is delivering critical support to those in need. "Our teams are on the ground every day, providing clean water, medical care, and shelter, but the demands are growing rapidly," said Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s Chief in Haiti. "With the right support, we stand ready to further expand our efforts, address urgent needs, and help Haitians rebuild their lives."

In 2024, the Organization provided access to 18 million liters of clean water to displacement sites and rehabilitated water pumps in affected communities, benefiting thousands of families. Essential items, including blankets, water containers, solar lamps, and hygiene kits, have been provided to people in need. The Organization also delivered relocation assistance, rental subsidies, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to 75,000 people.

IOM reiterates the need for continued humanitarian assistance, alongside long-term investments in governance, security, and social cohesion. These efforts are essential to breaking the cycles of violence and displacement, fostering stability in communities, and restoring hope for recovery.

"Haitians deserve a future. In moments of such profound crisis, the world must choose solidarity over indifference," concludes Amy Pope.

HL/ HaitiLibre