UN Appeals for $900 Million to Aid Crisis-Ridden Haiti
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – The United Nations (UN) has launched a $908.2 million appeal to provide humanitarian assistance to 3.9 million Haitians in 2025. The country has been ravaged by gang violence, with almost half of its population facing acute food insecurity.
Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation
"The humanitarian situation in Haiti has continued to deteriorate throughout 2024," stated the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in its Humanitarian Response Plan for 2025.
Armed violence has caused immense suffering, particularly among women and children. Six million Haitians, or about half the population, require assistance. However, due to chronic underfunding of humanitarian operations, the plan focuses on 3.9 million vulnerable individuals – including displaced persons, residents in gang-controlled areas, and communities affected by cholera.
Food Insecurity Crisis
Food insecurity has worsened, with 5.5 million people now facing acute hunger (+11% compared to March 2024). Two million are in urgent need of food aid, and 6,000 are in a state of famine, according to OCHA.
Gang Violence Escalates
Gangs have tightened their grip on the capital, Port-au-Prince, and increased atrocities. The UN has recorded over 5,600 gang-related deaths in 2024 (+20% compared to 2023), along with 1,500 kidnappings and nearly 6,000 cases of gender-based violence (including 69% sexual assaults). Child recruitment by armed groups has risen by 70%.
Mass Deportations and Displacement
Over one million people have been displaced due to gang violence, an increase of 48% since September 2024. Mass deportations of Haitians from the Dominican Republic have also contributed, with 200,000 individuals forcibly returned in 2024. OCHA estimates that an additional 350,000 Haitians could be expelled this year.
Multinational Security Mission
A multinational security mission, led by Kenya and authorized by the UN Security Council, began deploying in mid-2024. However, the mission of approximately 1,000 police officers from six countries (short of the 2,500 expected) faces logistical and funding challenges.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed modifying the mission to enhance its effectiveness against gangs while avoiding a transformation into a traditional UN peacekeeping force. He will soon present the proposal to the Security Council.
Chronic Underfunding
The chronic underfunding of humanitarian operations in Haiti has hindered effective response efforts. In 2024, OCHA’s $674 million appeal was only 44% funded.
The UN emphasizes that the $908.2 million appeal is crucial for providing life-saving assistance, including food, shelter, medical care, and protection for vulnerable Haitians.
