Haiti: Flash Update No. 1 Armed Attacks and Displacement in Artibonite Department, As of 11 May 2025
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• The resurgence of violence involving armed groups in Petite Rivière de l’Artibonite at the end of April has triggered significant internal displacement in the Lower Artibonite region. As of 3 May, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 16,056 individuals (4,014 households) have been displaced. Approximately 73% of displaced persons are hosted by families, while 27% are sheltering in 31 displacement sites, 25 of which were newly established following the recent escalation.
• Many families have taken refuge in makeshift collective shelters, including schools, churches, and community buildings. Living conditions are precarious, with extremely limited access to safe drinking water, food, healthcare, and adequate shelter. Host communities, which are housing most of the displaced population, are under significant strain and rapidly reaching capacity.
• Despite the presence of some humanitarian actors on the ground, access constraints continue to hamper the ability of several organizations to deliver aid and deploy staff, particularly in Verrettes, where many displaced families have sought refuge. Humanitarian supplies pre-positioned in Gros-Morne have not yet been transported, and planned assessment missions, such as one by the CCM, remain pending. Discussions are underway, including within the Artibonite Access Working Group, to identify solutions to facilitate access and support ongoing operations.
• OCHA’s sub-office in Artibonite is supporting the Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) in assessing humanitarian needs and coordinating the response. This support aims to strengthen ongoing intersectoral efforts and ensure better alignment among humanitarian partners on the ground.