UN raises alarm over fresh displacement as armed violence escalates in Haiti
Key Points(5)
- United Nations humanitarian agencies have raised alarm over the growing impact of armed clashes in Haiti’s West Department, where more than 3,000 people have been newly displaced in the communes of Ganthier and Kenscoff.
- Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that armed clashes forced 1,300 people to flee their homes in Ganthier on July 1.
- “All displaced families are sheltering with host communities, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households,” Dujarric said during a briefing.
- In Kenscoff, approximately 2,000 people were displaced following armed clashes overnight between July 4 and 5, according to the UN official.
- “We will assess the situation on the ground and you will hear more about Haiti,” Dujarric said, adding that further updates would be provided later on Friday.
United Nations humanitarian agencies have raised alarm over the growing impact of armed clashes in Haiti’s West Department, where more than 3,000 people have been newly displaced in the communes of Ganthier and Kenscoff.
Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that armed clashes forced 1,300 people to flee their homes in Ganthier on July 1.
“All displaced families are sheltering with host communities, placing additional strain on already vulnerable households,” Dujarric said during a briefing.
In Kenscoff, approximately 2,000 people were displaced following armed clashes overnight between July 4 and 5, according to the UN official.
“We will assess the situation on the ground and you will hear more about Haiti,” Dujarric said, adding that further updates would be provided later on Friday.
The latest displacement comes amid continued violence involving armed groups across Haiti. Earlier this week, heavily armed members of the “Viv Ansanm” gang alliance reportedly attacked the village of Robin in the Grand Fond communal section.
While authorities have not released an official statement on the incident, several Haitian media outlets have reported numerous deaths, injuries, kidnappings and homes being set on fire during the attack.
The escalation of violence has further strained humanitarian efforts in Haiti, where armed gangs continue to control large areas, particularly in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has announced a £5.6 million (approximately US$7.4 million) contribution to support the UN-backed Multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which is tasked with assisting Haitian authorities in confronting armed criminal groups.
The UK funding follows Canada’s announcement earlier this week of a US$35.3 million contribution toward the GSF mission.
The multinational force, which has a 12-month mandate, was established to support efforts to restore security and counter the influence of armed gangs that have seized control of parts of Haiti.
