WASHINGTON, DC — THE United Nations is sounding the alarm over escalating violence in Haiti, where mounting gang activity continues to force families from their homes across the impoverished Caribbean nation.
Gangs have tightened their grip on Port-au-Prince and several surrounding areas, driving a wave of displacement as residents flee targeted attacks. During a press briefing on Tuesday at UN Headquarters in New York, officials reported that families in the community of Tabarre, in the metropolitan area of the capital, have been fleeing following armed assaults last week.
According to the UN, coordinated attacks on November 13 and 14 forced more than 600 people from their homes. Many of those displaced have sought refuge within Tabarre itself, sheltered by local families.
UN officials warned that these incidents reflect a rapidly deteriorating security landscape. Recent violence in the residential neighbourhoods of Thomassin and Fermathe—areas once considered relatively safe—has driven more than 1,800 people to seek safety elsewhere.
By the end of October, the number of Haitians displaced by violence had climbed to 1.4 million, the highest ever recorded in the country and more than one-third higher than last year.
With insecurity rising, there have been numerous calls to protect civilians and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to communities in need.
Concerns for the safety and wellbeing of Haitians continue to grow as both hunger and displacement intensify. Just recently, gunfire targeted security personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince, prompting guards to return fire.
The international community is working to support Haiti, where Kenyan-led security forces are attempting to stabilize conditions on the ground and curb the influence of armed groups
