Haiti Conflict Pushes 17% of Children Near Famine, According to Charity

One in six children in Haiti is experiencing emergency food insecurity, just one step away from famine, according to a recent report from the charity Save the Children.

The situation is critical as Haiti is engulfed in a social and political crisis, with rampant violence perpetrated by armed groups, particularly in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince. This ongoing conflict has resulted in 700,000 people being displaced internally, while nearly half the population, approximately five million individuals, are struggling to obtain sufficient food.

According to data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Save the Children reported that over 760,000 children are facing emergency food insecurity, with rising rates of acute malnutrition and an increased risk of death related to hunger. This figure represents a 21% increase in the number of children at risk since March, attributed to the escalating violence in the country.

Additionally, Haiti is grappling with soaring inflation, which has forced families to allocate around 70% of their budgets to food expenses.

The organization highlighted the alarming levels of hunger in Haiti, exacerbated by gang violence, increasing lawlessness, and climate disasters that are severely impacting food availability. It also noted that armed violence, along with a shortage of essential services and supplies, is hindering the efforts of Save the Children and other aid groups to reach many vulnerable children and adults in need.