Haiti’s Gangs Prey on Vulnerable Children, Forcing Them Into Violence and Fear
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – In a nation gripped by overlapping security, humanitarian, and governance crises, a disturbing trend is escalating: the recruitment of children by criminal gangs. A new United Nations report highlights the growing vulnerability of Haitian youth, with increasing numbers being lured into gang life with promises of money and status, only to face violence, threats, and trauma.
Joseph, a 16-year-old Haitian boy, shared his harrowing experience with the UN, illustrating the insidious tactics used by gangs to exploit desperate children. Growing up in a poor neighborhood controlled by armed groups, Joseph described a reality where gangs dictated the rules and offered a semblance of opportunity in a landscape devoid of hope.
“Some were well-dressed, had nice cars, and were surrounded by women,” Joseph recounted, describing the allure of gang members. “They were the ones who made the rules in our neighbourhood.”
In August 2024, a friend introduced Joseph to the gang, tempting him with the prospect of financial gain and a sense of belonging. Despite initial hesitation, he joined, quickly finding himself tasked with monitoring police movements via radio and, soon after, armed with a firearm.
The situation escalated rapidly. When rumors of a police operation surfaced, Joseph was ordered to fight. Overwhelmed with fear, he attempted to leave, a decision met with brutal violence from the gang leader, who repeatedly struck him with the weapon, breaking his hand and threatening his life if he tried to escape again.
Joseph managed to flee shortly after, finding refuge with an organization providing medical care and counseling. He has been receiving support since September 2024 to cope with the trauma he endured.
Joseph’s story is not unique. According to the UN, approximately 1.4 million people in Haiti have been forced to flee their homes due to gang violence, with thousands more losing their lives. The new UN report underscores the urgent need for more robust protection measures for children in gang-affected communities.
The report, released on February 9, 2026, calls for a rethinking of responses to address the root causes of child recruitment, including poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and the breakdown of social structures. It emphasizes the importance of providing children with alternatives to gang life and ensuring access to psychosocial support for those who have already been affected.
The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs controlling vast swathes of territory and the government struggling to maintain order. The exploitation of children represents a particularly egregious aspect of this crisis, threatening the future of an already vulnerable generation.
