A working session was held between representatives of UNICEF (New York and Haiti offices) and the General Directorate of the Haitian National Police (PNH) to review the situation of children under the influence of gangs and strengthen the partnership for their protection.

UNICEF expressed grave concern regarding the significant increase in serious violations against children, including gang abduction, murder, mutilation, exploitation, and sexual violence. The organization nevertheless commended the "tremendous work" of the PNH's Juvenile Brigade and welcomed the implementation of the protocol adopted by the Haitian government and the UN agency in June 2024, which aims to ensure the transfer and reintegration of children under the influence of gangs.

For its part, the PNH reaffirmed that the protection of children is a fundamental responsibility of the State. It raised concerns about the crisis in juvenile detention centers, which are currently non-functional or have disappeared in the West Department, and cited the emergence of new threats such as organ trafficking.

This constructive meeting identified concrete avenues for collaboration, such as strengthening the Haitian National Police (PNH) capacity and developing joint preventative communication campaigns to help children under the influence of gangs. Both parties committed to working together to finalize the Hand Over protocol and protect Haitian children. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for the near future.

Furthermore, members of the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR), along with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG-CAAC), the UNICEF Representative in Haiti, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Haiti, the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and UNICEF technical teams participated in an in-depth workshop on how to better protect children from serious violations of their rights and address the needs of children affected by armed violence.

Discussions covered the mandate on Children and Armed Conflict, the Security Council framework, and the structure and role of the CTFMR. Participants examined case studies and good practices from around the world and considered policy and protection strategies for UN engagement with armed groups in the Haitian context.

HL/ HaitiLibre