Since Jan. 2024, gang violence in Haiti has killed at least 3,661 people, reports the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Gangs are reportedly recruiting children and destroying Haitian agriculture while committing widespread sexual violence against women. The United Nations (U.N.) World Food Program (WFP) reports that half the population faces acute hunger due to displacement and destruction from the violence. Charitable organizations are playing a critical role in mitigating hunger and poverty in Haiti under these devastating circumstances.

Poverty in Haiti

Haiti ranks as the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean and suffers from some of the highest rates of income inequality worldwide, with more than six in 10 people living in poverty. The nation’s history features persistent political instability and significant natural disasters. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries, which constitute a fifth of Haiti’s GDP, employ nearly half of the labor force. However, agricultural productivity faces severe constraints due to inadequate access to technology and credit, along with substandard road and irrigation infrastructure. Additionally, post-harvest losses are considerable, often due to insufficient storage and processing facilities.

3 Charities Operating in Haiti

1. CARE International. CARE International began its operations in Haiti in 1954 as a global charity focused on addressing the root causes of poverty, particularly gender inequality, which disproportionately drives women into poverty. The organization played a pivotal role during Haiti’s 2010 Cholera outbreak by providing clean water services and supporting local hospitals. Following the devastating earthquake in Aug. 2021, CARE provided food, shelter, hygiene and sanitation assistance. In response to recent violence, the organization has urged the international community to deliver essential humanitarian aid to combat poverty in Haiti and collaborates with local authorities to provide support wherever possible.
2. Haiti Children. Haiti Children, established in 1994, supports disadvantaged, orphaned and disabled children in Haiti. The organization runs several programs to alleviate poverty and enhance children’s lives. For example, through the Haiti Children Feeding Programme it provides meals to 3,000 children annually. In 2024, Haiti Children distributed 2 million meals and created 141 jobs. The organization underscores the urgency of supporting children, especially following recent reports that gangs are recruiting children amid the ongoing violence.
3. Haiti Foundation Against Poverty. Founded in 2007, the ‘Haiti Foundation Against Poverty’ aims to dissociate Haiti from poverty by providing health care, education and creating jobs. The charity has launched several projects to reduce poverty in Haiti. A significant initiative is the ‘Hope House,’ a care center for malnourished, injured and orphaned infants and toddlers.

Looking Ahead

Humanitarian aid could be crucial in ending the gang violence across the region. The continued support of charities operating in Haiti is similarly important, to not only directly support the people of Haiti but also to raise awareness of the urgent situation in the country. While the work of charities is incredibly impactful, humanitarian assistance from organizations and countries with more substantial resources could greatly benefit the people of Haiti.

– Joshua Marriott

Joshua is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr