Amnesty International released a report detailing how children in Haiti are increasingly being drawn into gang violence, with many forced to carry weapons, spy on police and rival gangs, and run errands for gunmen. The report states that 30% to 50% of gang members are now children, with their involvement often driven by hunger or fear due to the extreme poverty and violence in the country. Many children are living in gang-controlled areas, with girls and young women being sexually assaulted and infected with diseases. Children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, having to leave behind mobility aids during gang attacks.
The report highlights the lack of support and resources for these children, calling on the Haitian government to provide better education, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs. It also stresses the need for the international community to provide sustained assistance to address the root causes of gang violence and support the reintegration of children into society. Despite efforts by the Haitian National Police and a U.N.-backed mission to address gang violence, the lack of funding and personnel is a major challenge.
The report emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting the high number of children and civilians killed in recent years. The international community is urged to take action to prevent a lost generation of Haitian children from being trapped in a cycle of violence.
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