Haitian children ‘paying the highest price’ amid surge in gang recruitment
Haitian children ‘paying the highest price’ amid surge in gang recruitment
Haitian children paying the highest price - The UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict has raised alarm over the escalating threat posed by gangs in Haiti, where children are bearing the brunt of the violence. During her first mission to the Caribbean nation, Vanessa Frazier highlighted the alarming trend of youth being forcibly drawn into gang activities, now accounting for nearly half of the group’s members. This situation, she warned, has created a dire environment for children across the country, with many communities under de facto control by armed groups.
Impact on Education and Daily Life
According to Frazier, approximately 18,000 educational institutions have been rendered unusable due to gang activity. Schools have either collapsed, sustained damage, or remain closed, depriving children of access to learning and basic safety. “The level of violence children endure in Haiti is unlike anything seen elsewhere,” she emphasized, noting that the crisis has become a daily struggle for survival. Many young people now live in constant fear, separated from families, displaced, and exposed to trauma as gangs exploit their vulnerability.
Vanessa Frazier described the challenges faced by children in Haiti as a relentless battle to survive, marked by persistent fear, intimidation, and the loss of family ties. She noted that the cycle of violence has extended beyond public spaces into homes, with some children already in precarious situations before encountering gangs. “They told me they want only one thing: to go to school, to play, to learn, and simply to be children again,” she quoted, underscoring the emotional toll of the crisis. Despite the hardships, the testimonies of these children revealed a quiet hope for a better future.
Rising Rates of Recruitment and Violence
During her visit, Frazier reported that the number of children recruited by gangs had nearly tripled in 2025 alone. Simultaneously, cases of children being killed, injured, or abducted had almost doubled, with sexual violence emerging as a deliberate weapon to terrorize communities. “Gangs are using violence as a tactic to control and punish,” she stated, highlighting the psychological and physical toll on young victims.
She also pointed to the alarming use of schools and hospitals as battlegrounds, with armed groups seizing these spaces to further destabilize the region. This practice has exacerbated the protection crisis, leaving children without access to essential services. “The situation is deteriorating rapidly, and the suffering of children is intensifying,” Frazier added, stressing the urgency of intervention.
Handover Protocol and Legal Protections
One key development in addressing the crisis is the implementation of the handover protocol signed with the UN in 2024. This agreement aims to streamline the transfer of children linked to gangs to dedicated child protection services. Frazier noted that international juvenile justice standards apply to those who may have committed serious offenses, with detention reserved for cases where it is absolutely necessary.
“I stressed during all meetings that children found during security operations must be treated as victims first,” she said. However, she cautioned that the protocol’s principles are not consistently followed, urging authorities to prioritize the rights of children. In Port-au-Prince, a detention center known as CERMICOL has held 80 children for years in conditions described as “disastrous.” Many remain without charges, and none have ever seen a judge. Families are often cut off from their children, who are left isolated and without support.
Call for Immediate Action
As the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) prepares to deploy on 1 June, Frazier urged leaders to act swiftly to end the mistreatment of children. “This is a critical moment to ensure the right decisions are made,” she said, emphasizing the importance of aligning security efforts with child protection initiatives. “Security and child protection cannot be separated,” she argued, suggesting that the GSF’s arrival offers a window to rectify the situation.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Frazier highlighted the resilience of Haitian children. “Even in the darkest moments, they continue to show extraordinary determination,” she observed. This hope was evident in the stories shared by young survivors, who expressed a desire to return to normalcy. “They want to be children again, to dream and grow,” she said, reflecting on the emotional strength of those affected.
Reintegration Efforts and Humanitarian Needs
Efforts to reintegrate children into society are gaining momentum, particularly in Port-au-Prince and Les Cayes. A new facility in Les Cayes is being renovated to accommodate up to 600 children separated from gangs, signaling a commitment to long-term solutions. Frazier praised these initiatives but warned that more support is needed to address the broader humanitarian crisis. Many children live in areas fully controlled by armed groups, with no access to schools, healthcare, or safety.
The crisis has deepened the suffering of families, who are now forced to navigate a landscape where basic needs are often unmet. “The destruction of schools and healthcare facilities has isolated children further, increasing their risk of recruitment,” Frazier explained. She called on the international community to assist in restoring these vital services, ensuring children have the tools to rebuild their lives. “Children deserve more than just survival; they need the opportunity to thrive,” she concluded.
In her final remarks, Frazier reflected on the emotional weight of her mission. “I was profoundly moved by the courage of Haitian children, who face unimaginable challenges yet remain steadfast in their aspirations,” she said. Her report underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to safeguard the future of these young lives. With the GSF’s launch imminent, the focus must remain on protecting children while addressing the root causes of the violence that has upended their world.
Vanessa Frazier’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict. As the government and its allies pledge to place children at the heart of their strategy, the success of these measures will depend on consistent implementation. The fight to restore safety and opportunity for Haitian children is not just a moral imperative—it is a practical necessity for the country’s long-term recovery. The resilience of these young people offers a beacon of optimism, but their struggles remain a urgent call to action for all stakeholders.
Quotes from the Special Representative
“Today, children in Haiti are facing levels of violence that no child, anywhere, should ever endure.”
“Growing up in Haiti means a daily struggle to survive, live in constant fear, and be subject to intimidation, violence, family separation, displacement, and trauma as gangs take advantage of the vulnerability of these children.”
“No child should have to grow up in such conditions.”
“They told me they want only one thing: to go to school, to play, to learn, and simply to be children again.”
“Security and child protection cannot be separated.”
The UN’s findings highlight a crisis that demands immediate attention. With the handover protocol in place and the GSF set to begin operations, the opportunity to turn the tide exists—but only if the protection of children remains a priority. As the situation continues to worsen, the resilience of Haitian children becomes both a testament to hope and a stark reflection of the challenges they face.