February 16, 2026
The armed violence that has shaken Port-au-Prince since February 14, 2025, has forced more than 42,538 people to flee their homes, according to a report published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on March 6, 2025. The neighborhoods of Delmas 19, Carrefour-Feuilles, Fort National, Cargo, Métivier, Corvette, and Tabarre 27 are among the hardest hit areas.
Nearly two-thirds of the displaced have sought refuge in temporary shelters, while others have taken refuge with relatives. The situation is particularly concerning, as some of these displaced individuals had already been forced to flee during previous waves of violence.
Haiti’s security crisis continues to worsen. According to the United Nations, more than 5,600 homicides were recorded in 2024, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
More than 2,200 people have been injured, and approximately 1,500 cases of kidnapping have been reported. Gangs continue to expand their control, making many urban areas inaccessible to law enforcement and crippling the country’s essential infrastructure.
Children are among the primary victims of this widespread insecurity. A UN report highlights a staggering 1,000% increase in sexual violence against minors in 2024.
Additionally, the forced recruitment of children by armed groups has risen by 70%, plunging Haiti’s youth into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The closure of over 1,000 schools and food insecurity affecting nearly half the population further exacerbate the situation.
