At least 131 children, including babies, are believed to have been killed or injured in Haiti in violent attacks on their neighborhoods or clashes between armed groups and police in the first half of 2024, Save the Children said.

According to an analysis of data verified by the UN, an average of five children per week in the first six months of 2024 were killed or injured by armed violence in Haiti. However, the actual number of child victims is likely much higher, Save the Children said.

While some children were killed or injured by stray bullets, others were reportedly targeted because of their perceived support for rival gangs or the police, according to the UN. In addition, other children accused of petty crimes have been lynched and killed by members of the population

Chantal Sylvie Imbeault, Save the Children’s Country Director in Haiti, said : "We are at a loss for words when it comes to the unimaginable suffering that Haiti’s children are enduring. Entire neighborhoods have been burned, kidnappings and sexual assaults are commonplace, and children are directly targeted or caught in the crossfire.

"Behind these horrific numbers are children who have been seriously injured or killed. The true scale of this crisis is likely even worse than the verified figures available. Our local partners and staff on the ground have witnessed a heartbreaking rise in violence against children this year."

Learn more about Save the Children :

Save the Children has been working in Haiti since 1978, in both urban and rural communities, providing cash assistance so families can buy basic necessities, providing health and nutrition support, and helping children access quality education.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42569-haiti-flash-haitian-children-victims-of-violence-a-frightening-report-from-the-un.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-42472-haiti-flash-more-than-30-of-gang-members-are-children.html

HL/ HaitiLibre