Haiti Faces Hunger Crisis Amid Gang Violence: Nearly 6,000 People Starving

Haiti Faces Worsening Hunger Crisis Amid Gang Violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A new report released on Monday revealed that nearly 6,000 people in Haiti are facing starvation, with almost half of the country’s population experiencing crisis levels of hunger or worse. The situation has been exacerbated by rampant gang violence that has engulfed the capital of Port-au-Prince and beyond.

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the number of Haitians experiencing crisis, emergency, and famine levels of hunger has increased by 1.2 million in the past year, totaling 5.4 million. Gang violence has disrupted the transportation of goods, making it difficult for people to access food and basic necessities.

“This is one of the highest proportions of acutely food insecure people in any crisis around the world,” said U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.

The report highlighted that 5,636 people are facing starvation, living in makeshift shelters across the metropolitan area, while an additional 2 million Haitians are experiencing severe hunger. The situation has shocked many, including Martine Villeneuve, Haiti director for the nonprofit Action Against Hunger.

Gang violence, which controls 80% of Port-au-Prince and major roads, has been a significant factor contributing to the hunger crisis. Farmers are unable to deliver goods, and nonprofits struggle to provide aid due to the volatile security situation.

The U.N.-backed mission aimed at quelling gang violence in Haiti has made some progress, but much work remains to be done. The U.S., Haiti, and other countries are calling for a U.N. peacekeeping mission to secure funding and personnel to address the crisis.

Haiti continues to face a worsening humanitarian crisis, with armed gang violence disrupting daily life and pushing more people into hunger. Humanitarian agencies and nonprofits in Haiti are in urgent need of $230 million to address the growing food insecurity.

The stories of individuals like Joceline St-Louis and Judeline Auguste highlight the dire circumstances faced by many Haitians, who struggle to feed themselves and their families amidst the ongoing crisis. The situation calls for immediate action and support to prevent further suffering in Haiti.