Haiti continues to grapple with a complex history of poverty, political instability, and natural hazards, with an increase in security and humanitarian challenges at the onset of 2024. In the first months of 2024, Haiti continues to witness a continuous escalation in conflict dynamics, and unpredictable deteriorations in the security situation, sparked by a surge in country-wide protests and demonstrations. A surge in armed violence has resulted in the repeated displacement of populations. In Haiti, people are facing some of the worst human rights violations and threats to their lives in the country’s recent history.
An estimated 5.5 million Haitians, nearly half of the population, including over 3 million children, are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024 and over 362,000 have been internally displaced. The compounded crises have differentiated impacts on distinct groups and regions: urban populations entrapped by armed violence; families displaced by violence; food insecure and marginalized communities outside the capital; and repatriated migrants. In addition to these challenges, cholera persists across the country. Nationwide, there were over 79,400 suspected cases in Haiti by the end of January 2024.
UNICEF estimates that over 3 million children across Haiti require humanitarian aid. Despite limited funding, as of February, UNICEF has been able to assist over 119,000 people - including displaces - with critical water and hygiene supplies; over 55,000 children with screening for wasting; over 40,000 children and women with access to health care services; over 1,000 children with education in emergencies, and over 9,000 children with psychosocial support.
In 2024, UNICEF requires at least US$221.7 million to address the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable women and children. With your support, UNICEF will continue working across the Nutrition, Health, Education, Child Protection, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), and Social Protection sectors to reach the most vulnerable children and families.
