The United Nations is calling for an international “specialized support force” to deploy to Haiti to help stem a worsening gang crisis, which has already killed over 530 people this year. Gang violence steadily rose amid mounting political and economic instability following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Gangs now control over half of Haiti, while some 160,000 have been displaced, many now living in makeshift homes.

Natacha Germain: “The gangs invaded us. I lost my husband because of the gang war. I am alone with my children. I was living on the street, and after many searches, they found this place for us to stay in. Now I can’t go back home. I lost everything.”

Half of Haiti’s population does not have enough food. The U.N. warns children are especially at risk of gang violence and face kidnappings, forced recruitment and sexual violence.