Haiti’s Children: Crisis Demands Urgent Action
Port-au-Prince, December 2, 2024 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today issued a dire warning about the worsening child crisis in Haiti, where years of political instability, violence, and economic collapse have left children facing extreme levels of vulnerability.
“Haiti’s children are paying the heaviest price for the country’s crisis,” said UNICEF Haiti Representative, Bruno Maes. “They are bearing the brunt of poverty, malnutrition, and violence, and their rights are being violated on a daily basis.”
Grim Statistics
UNICEF’s latest report, “Haiti’s Children: A Call to Action,” paints a harrowing picture of the challenges facing the country’s most vulnerable young citizens:
- Malnutrition: Nearly half of all children under the age of 5 are stunted, meaning they are too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition.
- Education: Only 20% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 are enrolled in school.
- Health: The infant mortality rate is one of the highest in the world, with 58 babies dying for every 1,000 live births.
- Violence: Children are often victims of violence, both in the home and in their communities. In Port-au-Prince alone, over 200 children were killed in gang-related violence in 2023.
Consequences of the Crisis
The long-term consequences of Haiti’s child crisis are devastating for both children and the country as a whole. Children who suffer from malnutrition and lack access to education are more likely to live in poverty, experience health problems, and have difficulties finding employment.
“Haiti’s future depends on the well-being of its children,” said Maes. “If we fail to invest in them now, we are condemning the country to a cycle of poverty and violence for generations to come.”
Call to Action
UNICEF is calling on the Haitian government, international donors, and civil society organizations to take urgent action to address the child crisis. This includes:
- Increasing investment in nutrition programs to reduce malnutrition and improve child survival rates.
- Expanding access to education by building more schools and training teachers.
- Strengthening the health system by providing essential services and improving access to vaccines.
- Addressing the underlying causes of violence by promoting peace and security and providing support to vulnerable families.
“Haiti’s children cannot wait any longer,” said Maes. “We must act now to protect their rights, ensure their well-being, and give them a chance at a better future.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the leading humanitarian organization working for the rights of every child. In Haiti, UNICEF works with partners to provide nutrition, education, health, protection, and water and sanitation services to children and their families.
Haiti’s children: Crisis demands urgent action
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