Haiti

Advocacy for Haiti

What’s Happening?

After Haiti’s president was assassinated in July 2021, violent gangs took increasing control over the capital and country in collusion with economic and political elites, including members of the Transitional Presidential Council. Kenyan-led security mission made little headway against the gangs in 2024. According to the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, in the summer of 2025, rape and child trafficking by gangs rose to alarming levels – but 61 percent of those killed or injured, including children, were victims of security force operations by police and drone strikes supported by a private military company. Spreading violence has internally displaced over 1.4 million people. Over half of the population is facing acute food insecurity. Meanwhile, health care and education have been disrupted by ongoing violence and displacement. On September 30, 2025, the UN Security Council authorized a multinational Gang Suppression Force to replace the Kenyan-led mission.

What Must Be Done?

Refugees International is advocating for increased attention to the needs of internally displaced Haitians, empowerment of local groups in the humanitarian response, suspension of all forced returns to Haiti. It is crucial that the UN mission recognizes the need for protection and humanitarian support for the civilian population.