Nearly 1.3 million people have been displaced in Haiti due to escalating gang violence, with 15,000 more fleeing in the past week following attacks in Dessalines and Verrettes. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has screened over 217,000 children for acute malnutrition in 2025, treating 21,500—a small fraction of the projected 129,000 needing assistance. This is fueled by severe food insecurity affecting 5.7 million people (over half the population) between March and June. Over 1,600 schools remain closed, increasing vulnerability for children.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the insufficient humanitarian response, stating that current aid is only a fraction of what’s needed. Insecurity hinders aid delivery, causing access challenges, supply shortages, and health facility closures. The Haitian humanitarian response plan has received less than 9 percent of the required $908 million. UNICEF has provided learning opportunities to over 16,000 children and mental health support to over 100,000.

The ongoing crisis in Haiti requires significantly more funding and improved security to effectively address the urgent humanitarian needs of the displaced population and vulnerable children.