Haiti Humanitarian Highlights #1 - January 2024

[ A monthly summary of key humanitarian news and activities in Haiti]

2024 humanitarian plan seeks USD 674 million

Humanitarian actors are seeking $674 million to assist some 3.6 million Haitians – a 12 per cent increase from 2023 – over the next 12 months. This is the largest target population. This year’s plan comes across a backdrop of 2023 during a $719-milion plan received 34 per cent, a funding rate that is at par with the past five years. While $247 million was received through the HRP, donors contributed an additional $101 million outside of the plan. The formal launch of the 2024 Humanitarian Response and Needs Plan is set for February. The Plan is available here: https://bitly.ws/3cjNh

More than 313,000 people displaced, 60% in 2023 alone

More than 313,000 people are currently internally displaced in the country, according to statistics published in January by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM reported that more than 60 per cent were displaced in 2023 alone, illustrating a deteriorating humanitarian situation during the year. The Ouest Department, of which the capital Port-au-Prince is the largest city, is home to the majority of displaced. Children make up more than 50% of the displaced. “The trend of forced displacement is showcasing an ever-deteriorating security and humanitarian situation. While humanitarians keep on doing their utmost to provide life-saving assistance and support, humanitarian aid is not the sole solution. More investments are needed in long-term solutions to strengthen State services across the country”, IOM’s chief in Haiti, Philippe Branchat, said. https://shorturl.at/yBDKN

At least 170,000 children displaced amid escalating violence

Haiti’s spreading insecurity has triggered a profound humanitarian crisis, affecting some 170,000 displaced children out of a total displaced population of about 313,000. This figure represents a twofold increase from 2022. The current situation is placing an enormous strain on the already limited resources of host communities and existing social services. "In Haiti, children and families are enduring relentless waves of brutal violence, with each day bringing new horrors, the loss of loved ones, homes being destroyed by fire, and an ever-present shadow of fear,” UNICEF said. UNICEF estimates that in 2024 3 million children will require humanitarian aid. To respond effectively, UNICEF is requesting US$221.7 million. https://shorturl.at/fADP6

School system severely affected persisting Insecurity

Since the second half of January 2024, more than 1,000 schools have severely affected by the current climate of demonstrations and insecurity in the Ouest Department (which includes Port-au-Prince) and other in various departments such as Grand 'Anse, North-Est, Nippes and Artibonite. Nearly 940 educational structures were closed (including 403 completely closed) throughout the country, compared to 755 (159 completely closed) six months ago. These closures represent about 5% of all primary and secondary schools in the Haitian education system. 129 schools (including 18 public schools) were relocated to other establishments, in the West department alone in January 2024 compared to 13 in December 2023. Some 135 schools were occupied by displaced families or armed in the Ouest and Artibonite departments.

Civilians continue to be caught in violence

At least 806 people, not involved in the violent exchanges taking place, were killed, injured, or kidnapped in January 2024. In addition, some 300 gang members were killed or injured, bringing the total number of people affected to 1,108 – more than three times the number recorded in January 2023. These figures place the month of January as the most violent month in more than two years, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said. The impact of this torrent of violence on children continues to be of particular concern. In 2023, 167 children were killed and injured by bullets. Some were executed by gangs or so-called “self-defense” groups for their suspected support for rivals. The recruitment of children into gangs remained extremely worrisome. https://bitly.ws/3cX5J

Malnutrition analysis forecasts worrisome trends

While access of food is already a challenge for thousands of Haitians, the coming months will be ever more challenging, according to the latest malnutrition analysis conducted by the Haitian health ministry, FAO, UNICEF, WHO, with the situation expected to deteriorate from June to November 2024. About 276,000 children aged 6-59 months, pregnant and nursing women are at risk of acute malnutrition, including over 125,000 severe cases. Haiti’s malnutrition crisis results from a mix of factors including poverty, poor dietary and feeding practices, inadequate hygiene, and access to water. The current security crisis is also affecting access to food goods and services. Data from WFP in an assessment in 17 markets in regions like Grand-Anse, Nippes, Sud, and Sud-Est show a drastic rise in essential goods' prices due to supply route closures and supplier shortages. Proportionally to its population, Haiti ranks among the world’s largest malnutrition crisis.

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