In Geneva on Friday, the U.N. children's agency warned that in Haiti, the recruitment of more young people by armed gangs is having a severe and immediate impact on thousands of children. Years of conflict have led to over 1 million Haitians, nearly 10% of the population, being displaced, with armed gangs controlling much of the capital and its surroundings.
According to UNICEF, crucial services like malnutrition screening for infants, previously supported by U.S. funding, will be discontinued. Geetanjali Narayan, UNICEF's Haiti representative, highlighted the significant support provided by the United States and stressed the urgent impact of these cuts in a country already plagued by conflict, violence, and poverty.
Following President Donald Trump's decision in January to curtail foreign aid under the "America First" policy, more than 90% of aid contracts to the U.S. Agency for International Development have been slashed. UNICEF revealed that half of Haiti's armed groups are composed of children, some as young as eight, reinforcing the critical need for education programs to prevent exploitation and recruitment by armed factions. UNICEF urged for $38 million in funding to support education initiatives, emphasizing that lack of access to education increases children's vulnerability.
Narayan underscored, "Peace and stability are desperately needed but so are funds."