December 19, 2024

The situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Haiti has reached alarming proportions. With the rise in armed violence and ongoing political instability, thousands of families have been left homeless, forced to flee their homes in search of refuge in makeshift camps, schools, or churches. However, these places of refuge are far from safe and often expose the most vulnerable, especially women and girls, to heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV).

According to recent reports, IDPs in Haiti are facing unbearable living conditions. The lack of security, combined with inadequate infrastructure and poor oversight in camps, has led to a surge in cases of sexual violence, harassment, and exploitation. These acts disproportionately affect women and girls, who become easy targets in such precarious environments.

Testimonies reveal painful realities: assaults carried out in the darkness of the camps, a lack of police protection, and widespread impunity for perpetrators. Victims often hesitate to report abuses out of fear of retaliation or due to a lack of resources.
In the face of this humanitarian crisis, Witdenm is sounding the alarm. The organization is calling on local authorities, international actors, and civil society organizations to take immediate action to protect IDPs and combat GBV.

The crisis of displaced persons in Haiti cannot be ignored. Witdenm is also urging the international community to intensify its efforts to respond to this emergency. Financial and logistical support is urgently needed to improve living conditions for displaced people, while also investing in targeted programs to reduce GBV and protect the most vulnerable.

As the number of displaced persons continues to grow, the fight against gender-based violence must be central to the humanitarian response in Haiti. For Witdenm, this is not only about protecting victims, but about restoring their dignity and providing them with a future in a safer environment.
The crisis of displaced persons in Haiti is an emergency that demands immediate action. By joining forces, we can prevent further abuse and restore hope to those who need it most.