Haiti’s Children Face Dire Circumstances Amid Escalating Crisis

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Haiti, July 26, 2025 – For five teenagers, achieving scholastic competence and excellence was a dream they worked diligently to achieve; they are now graduates, part of the class of 2025—but their story is rare in beleaguered Haiti.  In fact, the escalating humanitarian crisis now exposes that life for children in Haiti is among the worst in the world.

In a sobering update from the United Nations, Haiti is now considered one of the most dangerous places to be a child—alongside conflict-ridden countries like Gaza, Somalia, and the Congo.  Children are increasingly caught in the crossfire of gang violence, facing a 500% rise in violence against them, according to recent reports.  Many are maimed, raped, killed, or forced to carry guns and join gangs.  Others, arrested in chaotic crackdowns, find themselves trapped in adult prisons without due process.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The education system has nearly collapsed under the strain of ongoing violence.  As of mid-July, more than 1,600 schools remain closed—a more than 66% increase since the beginning of the year.  With nowhere safe to learn, children become more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and gang recruitment.  UNICEF has stepped in to provide emergency learning opportunities to over 16,000 children and reached more than 100,000 with mental health and psychosocial support—but this barely scratches the surface.

The malnutrition crisis adds to the horror. Since January, UNICEF and partners have screened more than 217,000 children for acute malnutrition.  Over 21,500 have been admitted for life-saving treatment—representing only 17% of the 129,000 children projected to need help this year.  Many are like little Homer, who arrived at the “Love A Child Malnutrition Clinic” near death—unable to eat, move, or drink.  He is now recovering after receiving care and food support, thanks to organizations like “Feed My Starving Children.”

In total, 5.7 million people in Haiti face high levels of acute food insecurity, more than half the country’s population.  Meanwhile, humanitarian access is severely limited due to violence and instability. Health centers have closed, supply chains are choked, and fear has stopped mothers—who traditionally sell goods in markets to feed their families—from leaving their homes.

And yet, there are glimmers of hope.  Five young adults—Dieubon, Yolanda, Ada, Samuel, and Christian—will graduate from “Philo,” the 13th and final year of school in Haiti.  Their achievement is monumental not only because of the educational hurdles, but because orphans in Haiti often face stigma and marginalization.  As one caregiver put it, “Even if one child graduates, it is a big deal. But we have five.”

Still, the broader reality remains grim. The UN warns that Haiti is the least funded of all global crisis appeals.  As of July 23, less than 9% of the $908 million required for the 2024 humanitarian response has been received.

The story of these five graduates stands as a beacon amid chaos—a testament to the power of perseverance.  But for Haiti’s children to have a future, the world must not look away.  Urgent funding, safety, and long-term solutions are needed—before more dreams are extinguished.

CAPTIONS:

PHOTO OF CHILDREN WITH FOOD

Photo courtesy of HopeofChristHaiti.org posted April 2025/Facebook

PHOTO OF 5 GRADUATES

Photo courtesy of Love A Child, Inc posted June 19/Facebook