On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, during the Security Council open debate on Haiti, painted a dire picture of the situation of children in Haiti.

Excerpts from Catherine Russell's remarks :

"[...] Excellencies…

Since my last briefing on the situation in Haiti nearly a year ago, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, spreading beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, to other parts of the country. Haitian children continue to endure unimaginable suffering amidst brutal armed violence. [...] Last year, the United Nations in Haiti documented more than 2,000 grave violations against children, an increase of nearly 500% over the previous year.

The increase in the number of violations continued in 2025. In the first quarter of this year, there was a 25% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024.

Most alarming is the nearly 700% increase in cases of child recruitment and use, as well as the 54% increase in killings and maimings. These are only the cases we were able to verify; we believe the real figures are much higher.

"[...] Children are forced to participate in armed clashes. Others are used as couriers, lookouts, weapons carriers, or exploited as domestic workers, roles that expose them to serious and lasting physical and psychological harm.

"[...] As I witnessed during my visit to Haiti, children are victims of appalling sexual violence that has reached unprecedented levels. In 2024, the number of reported cases of sexual violence against children increased by 1,000% compared to the previous year.

"And as you will have seen in the Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict, the UN found that more than a quarter of all substantiated cases of sexual violence were gang rapes. This is a widespread campaign aimed at terrorizing communities and inflicting lasting physical and psychological trauma on children, particularly girls, who constitute the majority of victims [...]

"[...] Despite these challenges and the insecurity, UNICEF and its partners remain on the ground to provide lifesaving assistance to those in need [...] We continue our efforts to engage in dialogue and negotiation with armed actors to prevent and end grave violations of children’s rights. We are also supporting the authorities in establishing a child-friendly system to respond when violations are reported.

"[...] Just last month, the Haitian government, in partnership with UNICEF, officially launched the Prevention and Rehabilitation Program against the Recruitment of Children and Youth. This three-year program aims to protect children from recruitment, exploitation, and violence, while providing them with reintegration solutions and support.

But much remains to be done to protect Haitian children from the scourge of violence that has gripped their communities.

"[...] Finally, we call on donors to show solidarity with the Haitian people and contribute to the fundraising appeals. The Humanitarian Action Plan to meet the needs of nearly 4 million people in Haiti is only 10% funded. Without immediate donor support, our vital assistance and protection services for those most in need are seriously threatened."

HL/ HaitiLibre