Latest updates on country situation
29 March 2024
In April 2024, Haiti continues to grapple with acute food insecurity resulting from a combination of insecurity, sociopolitical unrest, unemployment, and price instability, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity persists in municipalities such as Cité Soleil, where armed groups aggravate the problem by exerting control over key transportation routes and disrupting market activities. People in the capital need assistance in accessing food and drinking water. (FEWS NET 29/03/2024, FEWS NET 18/03/2024)
16 March 2024
On March 16, armed groups looted one of UNICEF's containers at the main port of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, depriving children of critical health supplies amid a collapsing healthcare system. As at March 17, armed groups were controlling over 260 humanitarian containers at the port. Hospitals in the city have been vandalised and closed out of safety concerns, leaving only two functional surgical facilities and challenging the provision of essential medical care. As a result, the population of Port-au-Prince, particularly children and pregnant women, needs humanitarian assistance in accessing health services. (UNICEF 16/03/2024, Reuters 16/03/2024)
04 March 2024
Heavy gunfire that started on 2 March 2024 in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, killed at least four police officers as at 5 March. Gangs have declared intentions to capture the police chief and government ministers. Gunmen have targeted the airport, police stations, and neighbourhoods, forcing people to flee and trapping some in their houses. The clashes could worsen the already dire situation for many Haitians struggling to access food, education, and gender-based protection. (AP 01/03/2024, BBC 04/03/2024, PI 05/03/2024)
22 February 2024
Gang clashes have led to worsening humanitarian conditions in all communes of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, since the beginning of February 2024. The latest violent outbreak forced nearly 10,000 people to flee their homes between 1–10 February. Over the past two weeks, intense attacks have occurred in several communes, including Carrefour, Cité Soleil, La Saline, and Tabarre. These events have disrupted economic activities and reduced access to affordable food, medical services, and the education system. (OCHA 21/02/2024, OCHA 19/02/2024, IOM 21/02/2024)
11 February 2024
In 2024, high food insecurity levels – Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and worse – persist in Cité Soleil, a densely populated commune in the Haiti capital of Port-au-Prince. Food access constraints result from insecurity because of gangs, instability from protests in the country, low food availability, and high food prices. Up to 400,000 people reside in the commune, many of whom need humanitarian assistance to access food, protection from violence, and support to access income-generating opportunities. (FEWS NET 11/02/2024, CNN 08/02/2024)
19 January 2024
Since the first week of 2024, there has been a fuel shortage and food price increases in the western departments of Grande’Anse, Nippes, Sud, and Sud-est in Haiti. The reason is a roadblock on National Road 2 in Mariani that began in November 2023. This roadblock is posing a risk of kidnapping or being killed for supply truck drivers delivering goods to these departments. Approximately 55,000 inhabitants have been affected and may require assistance to access food and other essential items. In Nippes, food prices have increased by 66% in January 2024. Thousands of people have been displaced from Mariani in the past months and likely require shelter, food, and protection services. (WFP 19/01/2024, Haiti Libre 23/01/2024)
02 October 2023
On 2 October 2023, UNSC approved the deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti. The mission has been authorised to support the Haitian National Police in combating gangs and protecting critical infrastructure, including airports, seaports, schools, hospitals, and key intersections. (UNSC 02/10/2023, SCR 02/10/2023)
current crises
in
Haiti
These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.
HTI001 - Complex crisis
Last updated 31/01/2024
Drivers
Earthquake
Violence
Socio-political
Other seasonal event
Crisis level
Country
Severity level
4.3 Very High
Access constraints
3.0
Analysis products
on
Haiti
03 November 2023
Haiti: returns from the Dominican Republic
DOCUMENT / PDF / 645 KB
The continued border closures and displacement from the Dominican Republic to Haiti will aggravate existing needs in Haiti, which is already experiencing a complex humanitarian emergency with increasing gang violence, high food insecurity levels, and a cholera outbreak.
02 August 2023
Haiti: a deep dive into the food security crisis
DOCUMENT / PDF / 464 KB
Multiple political, social, and economic crises, coupled with natural hazards (such as earthquakes, droughts, and torrential rains), have progressively increased the number of people needing food assistance since 2020. This thematic report provides an overview of the severity of the food crisis in Haiti.
Attached resources
02 June 2023
Haiti: humanitarian impact of gang violence
DOCUMENT / PDF / 728 KB
This report highlights the humanitarian impact of the recent increase in gang violence in Haiti. Since our last publication, while several other drivers have deteriorated, such as the cholera outbreak or the high cost of living, gang violence has further increased, worsening the severity of the insecurity and displacement crises.
Attached resources
01 November 2022
Haiti: deterioration of crises in Port-au-prince
DOCUMENT / PDF / 623 KB
Haiti is currently facing a deteriorating humanitarian situation. A combination of sociopolitical unrest and insecurity, fuel shortages, and a long-term declining economy has resulted in significant humanitarian needs for the population.