Toronto, ON, March 21, 2025 – Relentless violence in Haiti is robbing children of the chance to attend school and placing them at risk of recruitment by armed groups, a new assessment by Plan International has found.

The global humanitarian and child rights organization conducted a needs assessment in the South and South-East of Haiti – currently housing more than 260,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled armed violence, mostly from Port-au-Prince. The assessment revealed widespread violations of children's rights, including large-scale sexual violence, the collapse of education systems, and rising risks of child exploitation and trafficking.

A survey, focus groups, and interviews with over 200 people living at a site for internally displaced people found that more than 90% of children have been deprived of their fundamental right to education due to violence and insecurity.

Since January 2024, more than 900 schools have closed due to attacks, fear of violence or because they are being used as shelters for displaced people. The education system is collapsing as teachers are forced to flee, leaving children without access to education.

Children as young as 10 years old are at risk of recruitment by armed groups – a grave violation of international law – with 5% of those surveyed stating their intention to return to Port-au-Prince to join these groups, viewing it as a means of achieving “easy financial gains.” Recruiting children is explicitly prohibited under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Paris Principles on Child Recruitment.

Additionally, gender-based violence is rampant; young girls are particularly affected, with more than 6,400 cases reported in 2024, including widespread sexual violence used as a weapon of war further exacerbated by high rates of early and unwanted pregnancies. Half of gender-based violence incidents occurred during displacement, while families were fleeing their homes because of the violence.

The economic hardship is forcing families into impossible choices and coping mechanisms, leaving children, in particular girls, more vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

“What makes me sad is thinking about how I used to live at home compared to how I am living now. They are two completely different realities,” said Barbara, 15, currently living at a site for internally displaced people. “Sometimes I worry because where I live now, armed groups can invade at any moment. I could receive a shock that paralyzes me, and that makes me worried.” (Name changed to protect identity.)

"Haiti’s children are facing an unimaginable crisis,” said Prospery Raymond, Country Director of Plan International Haiti. “They have lost access to education, safe spaces, and basic protection. Urgent action is needed to ensure their safety and well-being. Without immediate intervention, an entire generation is at risk of being lost to violence and deprivation."

Haiti is experiencing an unprecedented humanitarian emergency, with over six million people – more than half the population – requiring urgent assistance.

The situation has deteriorated dramatically in 2024 due to escalating armed violence, mass displacement, and severe food insecurity. Over one million people have been forced from their homes, with 75% of them seeking refuge outside the capital.

Port-au-Prince has become the epicentre of extreme violence, with armed groups controlling large parts of the city, with 5,600 people killed in 2024 alone, a 20% increase from the previous year.

Plan International is responding to the crisis by prioritizing child protection, education, and gender-based violence prevention. The organization has set up child-friendly spaces to provide displaced children with safe environments, psychosocial support, and access to education.

"The world cannot turn its back on Haiti," said Raymond. “We must act now to protect children from violence, exploitation, and lost futures. Haiti’s children deserve safety, education, and hope. We call on the international community to step up and provide the necessary resources to support Haiti in this time of crisis.”

Plan International is also implementing cash transfer programs and covering school fees to ensure children continue learning. In response to rising gender-based violence, Plan International is strengthening services for survivors, including medical care and psychological assistance.

Additionally, Plan is improving sanitation in displacement centers to prevent disease and safeguard the health and dignity of affected families.

Despite significant challenges, Plan International remains committed to reaching those in need and ensuring children's rights are upheld during this crisis.

The findings presented in this press release are based on a needs assessment conducted in the South and South-East departments of Haiti. The assessment utilized a combination of the following methodologies:

• Field observations to assess the conditions in affected areas.
• Interviews with key informants, including child protection and education specialists.
• Focus group discussions with over 200 participants, including parents, teachers, and adolescents.
• Surveys conducted with displaced families to understand their urgent needs.
• Review of relevant documentation to provide contextual analysis.
• Data collection using Kobo Collect, with analysis led by Plan International Haiti in collaboration with regional and global technical teams.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

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