December 23, 2024
On July 17, a fire aboard a boat carrying migrants tragically claimed the lives of at least 40 people off the coast of Cap-Haïtien, according to the National Migration Office (ONM). The boat, which left Labadee with more than 80 passengers heading for the Turks and Caicos Islands, was the scene of this tragedy. The Haitian Coast Guard rescued 41 survivors, who are currently receiving medical care, food, water, and psychosocial support provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Head of Mission in Haiti, expressed his deep concern over this event, highlighting the dangers of irregular migration routes. He insisted on the need to create safe and legal paths for migrants, recalling that the socio-economic crisis and extreme violence in Haiti push many citizens to risk their lives to seek a better future abroad.
Since the start of the year, Haitian and international authorities have observed an increase in attempts to leave by boat. The Haitian Coast Guard, along with the coast guards of the United States, the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Jamaica, have intercepted an increasing number of boats. In 2024, more than 86,000 Haitian migrants have been forcibly repatriated by neighboring countries, often in conditions of great vulnerability.
To respond to this crisis, IOM is working with the ONM to provide humanitarian assistance to returning migrants, including food, water, financial assistance, hygiene kits, and medical care. Psychosocial support is also offered to help migrants overcome trauma. IOM works closely with local authorities to ensure family reunification of unaccompanied and separated children.