United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres painted a dire picture of the situation in Haiti.
In his recent address to the Security Council, he described a nation trapped in a spiral of suffering. He emphasized the collapse of state authority, the rise of armed gangs, and the devastating impact on civilians.
“State authority is crumbling while gang violence engulfs Port-au-Prince and beyond. It paralyzes daily life and forces families to flee,” he stated. He added that civilians are now under siege, with reports of rape, sexual violence, and repeated attacks on hospitals and schools.
The Secretary-General noted that 1.3 million people, half of them children, have been displaced. These displacements are due to violence. Meanwhile, 6 million Haitians now require emergency humanitarian assistance. Haiti has become one of the world’s five most concerning hotspots for acute food insecurity.
Humanitarian workers strive to maintain their presence despite threats. However, they have themselves become targets of extortion, kidnapping, and violence.
“Let’s be clear, all parties must respect international humanitarian law. Humanitarian personnel, goods, and facilities must be protected,” he emphasized. He also praised the courage of aid workers who continue to provide water, food, medicine, and shelter.
Despite these efforts, the Secretary-General condemned the severe underfunding. For 2025, $908 million is needed to address humanitarian needs. However, less than 10% of this amount has been received. The humanitarian appeal for Haiti remains the world’s least funded. This shortfall directly threatens 1.7 million people who may receive no aid. “This is not just a funding gap, but a matter of life and death,” he stressed. He urged donors to act immediately.
Children: Primary Victims of the Crisis
António Guterres paid special attention to Haitian children’s plight. He identified them as the most severely impacted by this crisis. In his annual report on children and armed conflict, Haiti ranks among five countries with the highest violations against minors in 2024.
The UN’s figures are alarming. In 2024, authorities documented 2,269 serious violations against 1,373 children. This represents a nearly five-fold increase from the previous year. Among these cases, 213 children were killed and 138 suffered physical harm. Additionally, 302 cases of recruitment or use by armed groups were recorded.
Sexual violence has reached frightening levels. Officials reported 566 cases, including 160 gang rapes. “These crimes serve as weapons of terror and control,” Guterres lamented.
Mass displacement worsens the situation. In April, gang violence disrupted education for 243,000 students. Additionally, authorities recorded 154 kidnappings and 154 attacks on schools or hospitals. Moreover, 728 cases of denied humanitarian access were reported.
“These crimes leave lasting scars on bodies, minds, and futures,” the Secretary-General warned.
Transfer Protocol and Minor Protection
Guterres recalled the transfer protocol signed in 2024 between the UN and the Haitian government. It aims to protect detained children suspected of association with armed groups. However, its implementation remains uneven.
He expressed deep concern about conditions at CERMIOL. This juvenile rehabilitation center faces significant challenges. He also condemned the rise of community self-defense groups, sometimes linked to police forces. These groups face accusations of serious violations, including summary executions of children.
“I urge all authorities to implement the transfer protocol across the entire nation,” he stated. He added: “We must end child detention for suspected armed group associations. We must also ensure access to specialized services, especially for survivors of sexual violence.”
The Secretary-General also asked the Security Council to make child protection an absolute priority.
Fragile Political Progress
On the political front, António Guterres welcomed the dialogue efforts led by Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of the Transitional Presidential Council. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé’s role. Both currently lead consultations to advance the political process.
He noted improved coordination between the Prime Minister’s task force, the Haitian National Police (HNP), and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM). This collaboration already shows some improvements on the ground.
Yet these gains remain fragile. “They must be defended and expanded,” Guterres insisted. He called for decisive and coordinated support from the international community.
Call for UN-Backed International Force
In his speech, Mr. Guterres advocated for immediate strengthening of the multinational security support mission. He had previously proposed this initiative on February 24.
He requested logistical and operational support from the United Nations for this force, along with predictable funding. “Voluntary contributions to the mission’s trust fund remain essential. However, mandatory funding would ensure the mission’s long-term effectiveness,” he stated.
The Secretary-General also urged the Council to establish a genuine arms embargo. He called for expanded sanctions against gang leaders, masterminds, arms traffickers, and their accomplices.
“It is crucial to disrupt the flow of weapons and money that fuels the chaos,” he emphasized. He called for strengthened controls at ports, borders, and online, in coordination with regional partners.
UN Commitment and Path to Hope
Guterres praised the work of his special representative in Port-au-Prince, Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu. He works alongside national and international partners to promote political consensus. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) will continue supporting an inclusive process. It will also collaborate with the HNP, multinational mission, and donors.
He made an urgent appeal to Haitian actors. According to him, they must seize this opportunity and maintain the spirit of cooperation.
“If unity prevails in the country, and with the Council’s determination, the Haitian people can break free from this spiral. They can transform hardship into hope and reclaim their future,” the Secretary-General declared.
António Guterres concluded his speech by reaffirming the UN’s unwavering solidarity with Haiti. “I reaffirm my determination to stand with the Haitian people to bring about peace, dignity, and security.”
