Haitian gangs recruit starving children amid growing violence, HRW report warns

A report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals that armed gangs in Haiti are recruiting impoverished children in preparation for violent confrontations with international security forces.

As much as 30% of gang members are now children, forced into roles as soldiers, spies, or exploited for sex, according to HRW. The gangs, controlling most of the country, lure children with promises of food and shelter as Haiti faces worsening chaos following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Many minors, driven by desperation, see joining gangs as their only escape from poverty and hunger. Humanitarian workers report difficulties in rescuing children once they’ve been drawn into gang life.

HRW urges the Haitian government to create programs that safeguard children and facilitate their reintegration into society, though the collapse of state services and ongoing hunger make it challenging to stop the recruitment of minors into criminal groups.