Over one million displaced in Haiti amid deepening crisis

Port-au-Prince.- According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Haiti is now facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with over one million people displaced due to escalating violence. This figure represents approximately 10% of the country’s population and reflects a deepening collapse of the Haitian state’s capacity to maintain authority and stability—even with international support.

IOM Director General Amy Pope, who recently visited Haiti, described the situation as one of the world’s most complex and urgent crises, emphasizing its broader implications for regional and global stability. She urged the international community to act swiftly, not only to provide immediate aid but also to strengthen resilience and improve security in affected communities to prevent further forced migration.

The violence—primarily due to widespread gang control, especially in Port-au-Prince—has left many families without shelter, clean water, or medical care. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimates that gangs now control up to 85% of the capital. The IOM report also highlighted that nearly 200,000 Haitians were repatriated in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian and migration-focused efforts.