Haiti - Social : Christmas party for children rescued from gangs
Georges Wilbert Franck, Minister of Social Affairs, participated in the Christmas celebration organized by the Institute for Social Welfare and Research (IBESR) on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Transit and Orientation Center (CTO) for children associated with gangs and recovered/rescued during security operations.
Addressing these children, victims of forced recruitment into gangs, Minister Franck encouraged them to heed the advice and guidance of the mentors and support staff committed to their reintegration and training, so they can become citizens capable of serving their country with dignity.
"The State is determined to put an end to all forms of juvenile violence aimed at jeopardizing the lives of the country's future good citizens," he stated. That is why, since the signing of the protocol between the Haitian government and the United Nations system on the transfer, reception, and care of children associated with armed gangs, more than one hundred children have been recovered and placed in Transit and Orientation Centers (CTOs), the Minister stated.
Ms. Arielle Jeanty Villedrouin, Director of the IBESR (Haitian Institute for Social Welfare and Research), addressing the recipients of the toys, urged them to maintain dignified and respectful behavior.
The Transit and Orientation Center for Social Welfare, where the ceremony took place, houses a total of 29 children, including 26 boys and three girls.
