Escalating Violence Against Children in Haiti and Palestine
The number of children displaced by gang violence in Haiti has surged by 60% since March, equating to 'one child per minute,' according to UNICEF. This brings the total to 300,000 children. Displaced children now make up more than half of the 600,000 people forced to leave their homes due to endemic violence, especially in the capital, Port-au-Prince. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that these children are in dire need of a safe environment and increased international support.
Children in Haiti face a dual threat: being forced to relocate without family support, abandoning school, and lacking basic survival needs. They are also subjected to sexual assault, exploitation, and abuse. The dire situation is exacerbated by the fact that 90% of Haiti's population lives in poverty, and three million children require humanitarian aid. The arrival of a Kenyan police contingent last week aims to restore security in the country.
Children in Palestine Caught in Conflict
Similarly, in Palestine, the ongoing Israeli occupation has led to daily killings and arrests of children in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The violence has destroyed vital infrastructure, severely affecting the safety and well-being of children. Since October 7, the Israeli army's expanded operations have resulted in 553 Palestinian deaths, including 133 children, and thousands of injuries and detentions. The war has also led to massive destruction and famine, claiming the lives of dozens of children.
Despite two UN Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel continues its military actions. The International Court of Justice has also ordered an end to the invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the humanitarian situation.
- The humanitarian crisis in Haiti requires urgent attention from the international community to provide displaced children with safe environments and access to basic services. UNICEF underscores the need for increased funding and support to address the growing dangers faced by these vulnerable children.
- In Palestine, the international community must push for the enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions and International Court of Justice orders to halt the violence and ensure the safety and well-being of children. The destruction of infrastructure and the ongoing conflict have left children in desperate need of peace and stability.
