UNICEF’s representative in Haiti, Geetanjali Narayan, addressed the press, stating that in the previous month, armed groups had destroyed 47 schools in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, adding to the 284 schools destroyed in 2024.
“The relentless attacks on education are increasing, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to learning,” she expressed.
During an address in Geneva, Ms. Narayan recounted reports of a recent attack. “Videos show the terrifying cries of children laying on the ground, frozen with fear,” she described, emphasizing that such attacks have repercussions beyond the classroom.
“A child without school is a child in danger,” she cautioned.
Recent reports from UNICEF highlighted a 1,000 per cent rise in cases of sexual violence against children between 2023 and 2024 in Haiti. Additionally, half of the over one million displaced individuals in the country due to violence are children.
Child Soldiers
Ulrika Richardson, the top UN aid official in Haiti, highlighted that children are bearing the brunt of the crisis. UNICEF’s Ms. Narayan noted that child recruitment by armed groups has increased by 70 per cent.
“Currently, up to half of all armed group members are children, some as young as eight years old,” she disclosed.
Ms. Narayan detailed the different roles children play in armed groups based on their age and gender. Young girls are tasked with domestic work while eight to ten-year-olds serve as messengers or informants.
“As they grow older, children become more actively involved in violent activities,” Ms. Narayan added.
When asked about the impact of early recruitment into armed groups, she expressed that it causes indescribable harm.
Ms. Narayan emphasized UNICEF’s efforts to support the release, demobilization, and reintegration of child soldiers.
Protecting Children
An initiative established in 2024 between the UN, including UNICEF, and the Government of Haiti aims to ensure child soldiers are treated as children first and foremost. It has resulted in over 100 children being demobilized and reintegrated in the past year.
Ms. Narayan stressed that the pervasive armed violence in Haiti and insufficient funding for education support are hindering children’s prospects for a better future.
Lack of Funding Impact
Initiatives like setting up temporary learning spaces, school rehabilitation, and providing necessary supplies require $38 million, but funding stands at only five per cent.
Ms. Narayan urged for peace, stability, and funding in Haiti to support over half a million children who lack educational support due to armed conflict and donor assistance.
The United States’ cuts in humanitarian aid have had a devastating effect on children in Haiti, resulting in reduced services from UNICEF.
In 2024, a $600 million plan for Haiti received only over 40 per cent of the funds, with the US contributing around 60 per cent.
Impact of US Aid Cuts
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder noted that following the US aid freeze, grants were terminated, affecting millions of children across multiple countries.
“Without urgent action and funding, more children will suffer from malnutrition, lack of education, and preventable illnesses,” Mr. Elder emphasized.
