The United Nations revealed on Friday that over half of Haiti's population is grappling with severe food shortages, exacerbated by the increasing dominance of armed gangs across the nation. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) hunger report, 5.7 million Haitians are now facing conditions ranging from 'Crisis' to more severe stages of food insecurity. This stark data places Haiti among the most severe humanitarian crises in the Western Hemisphere.

Out of those affected, 1.9 million individuals are experiencing 'Emergency-level' hunger, defined by significant food gaps, acute malnutrition, and heightened mortality risks. Another 3.8 million are enduring 'Crisis' conditions, often sacrificing their limited resources to merely survive. Projections indicate that by mid-2026, during the lean season, the situation could worsen further, potentially affecting 5.9 million people, or 53 percent of the population.

Armed groups have strategically taken over vital infrastructure such as roads, farmlands, and ports, leading to the displacement of over 1.3 million people. This figure marks a 24 percent increase since December 2024. The violence has escalated recently with significant attacks in the Lower Artibonite region, particularly in towns like Dessalines, Verettes, Liancourt, and Petite Rivière, forcing thousands to seek refuge in overcrowded displacement sites lacking essential services, thereby increasing the risk of cholera and other crises.

Despite Haiti's 1987 Constitution guaranteeing the right to life, health, and social welfare, and the nation's commitment to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the current crisis highlights a severe shortfall in the government's ability to protect its citizens. These conditions suggest possible violations of international obligations to prevent rights abuses stemming from hunger and displacement.

In response to the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, the UN Security Council has decided to replace the existing international police mission in Haiti with a more robust military and police force. On September 30, the Council approved a new "gang-suppression force" consisting of 5,500 personnel, authorized to operate independently from Haitian forces. This new force will focus on neutralizing gang activities and securing key infrastructure with a mandate for the next 12 months.

As the international community steps up its efforts, the plight of millions in Haiti continues to be a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention to restore order and ensure basic human rights.