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Haiti is battling a surge in gang violence, widespread displacement, and deepening political instability. Over 700,000 people have fled their homes, with many forced to move multiple times due to escalating insecurity, according to UN reports.
Speaking on Friday, Ulrika Richardson highlighted the urgency of addressing these challenges while emphasizing the country’s potential to overcome its current crisis. “Haiti’s destiny is bright. With the right investments, it can reclaim its role as a symbol of hope, independence, and freedom,” Richardson said.
A sharp rise in the recruitment of children by armed gangs has added to Haiti’s challenges. UNICEF reported a 70% increase in minors coerced into gang activities over the past year. Many children as young as eight are being used as informers or errand runners.
Richardson stressed the need to provide viable alternatives for Haiti’s youth to prevent their involvement in gang violence. “Opportunities are critical,” she said. “If education is inaccessible and there are no job prospects, young people feel they have no choice but to join gangs.”
Programs offering education, vocational training, and safe spaces for youth are pivotal, Richardson added. Such initiatives can help empower Haiti’s younger generation to become agents of change within their communities.
The deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), designed to stabilize Haiti, has faced delays due to insufficient international funding. Richardson applauded Kenya’s leadership but emphasized the need for more robust financial and logistical support from the global community.
“Security is the foundation for addressing humanitarian needs and pursuing long-term development,” she said. Enhanced security would create an environment conducive to constitutional reform and the government’s electoral agenda.
Richardson acknowledged that past international aid efforts often bypassed Haitian institutions, undermining local capacity. Moving forward, she emphasized the importance of strengthening Haitian leadership and institutions as the cornerstone of rebuilding efforts.
“Haiti’s recovery must be guided by its people,” she said. “Mistakes of the past have shown us that sustainable solutions must come from within the nation.”
The UN has committed to staying in Haiti and providing support to its most vulnerable populations. However, Richardson called for urgent global action to fund security operations and humanitarian aid.
“We need a doubling of efforts from UN member states, not tomorrow, but today,” she said. “Haiti’s challenges are significant, but its potential is equally immense. With the right partnerships, it can become a beacon of resilience and hope.”
As Haiti enters 2025, Richardson remains optimistic about the country’s prospects. “This is a resilient nation, filled with human creativity and resources. By focusing on youth, security, and governance, Haiti can rebuild and thrive,” she said.
