In a stark warning to the UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has declared a critical collapse of state authority in Haiti, as gang violence overtakes the nation, severely disrupting the lives of its citizens and pushing families to flee their homes. The ongoing turmoil has spiraled into a dire humanitarian and displacement crisis, placing six million people in desperate need of aid.

The severity of the situation is compounded by a significant hunger crisis, one of the worst globally, yet it remains the least supported, with a mere 10 percent of the necessary funding secured. This stark underfunding means that 1.7 million Haitians might be left without crucial assistance, even as armed groups hinder access to aid and target humanitarian workers. The collapse of essential services like education, healthcare, and security only deepens the nation's plight.

Amidst this chaos, the plight of Haiti's youngest residents is particularly alarming. UNICEF's chief, Catherine Russell, has highlighted a shocking 500 percent increase in grave violations against children in 2024 alone, including summary executions and forced recruitment by gangs. In light of these disturbing developments, Russell is calling on the Security Council to adopt immediate actions to safeguard Haiti's youth and curb the escalating violence.

The Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need for international support to bolster Haiti's local forces in restoring order and safeguarding the achievements of the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS). He proposed enhancing the MSS with additional logistical and operational support and advocated for the deployment of an international force under UN auspices. Guterres stressed that increased financial backing is essential for sustaining humanitarian efforts in the beleaguered state.

Haiti's descent into chaos began in 2020, marked by conflicts between state forces and rampant armed gangs, leading to a surge in kidnappings, abductions, and mass displacements, posing threats to both national and regional stability. Despite efforts by Haiti’s National Police and the MSS-backed security units, gangs continue to expand their reach across the nation, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread famine and rampant human rights abuses. In March, a UN expert implored the international community to reevaluate its approach to Haiti's escalating crisis and to strengthen support for the multinational security initiative.

This ongoing crisis in Haiti presents a formidable challenge to global stability and human rights, demanding a concerted and robust international response to prevent a total collapse of state functions and to protect the fundamental rights and lives of its suffering population.