A staggering 700,000 Haitians have been forced from their homes due to escalating gang violence, according to the United Nations.
Over half of these displaced individuals are children, highlighting the devastating impact of the crisis on the country’s most vulnerable population.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a 22 percent increase in displacement since June, emphasizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The agency urged the international community to provide greater attention and support to address the crisis.
“The sharp rise in displacement underscores the urgent need for a sustained humanitarian response,” said Gregoire Goodstein, the IOM’s chief in Haiti.
“We call on the international community to step up its support for Haiti’s displaced populations.”
The report revealed that 75 percent of displaced individuals are now seeking refuge in the country’s provinces, while the remaining 25 percent are in Port-au-Prince, where the situation remains volatile.
Many displaced people are living in overcrowded conditions with limited access to basic services.
The IOM highlighted the strain on resources within host communities, with many families struggling to provide for themselves and the displaced individuals they are sheltering.
Food shortages, overwhelmed healthcare facilities, and a lack of essential supplies are common challenges faced by both displaced and host populations.