Haitian Women Displaced

Displaced Haitian Women Demand Security Amid Gang Violence

By Shanice Fils-Aime

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – Thousands of displaced Haitian women and children living in makeshift camps have denounced the dire conditions they endure daily, highlighting the urgent need for improved security and access to basic services. The displacement crisis, largely caused by rampant gang violence perpetrated by armed men, has left these women in a state of vulnerability, with little to no support from the government or international organizations.

In the capital city and surrounding areas, heavily armed gangs have taken control of entire neighborhoods, forcing women and children to flee their homes to escape violence, kidnappings, and extortion. Many of these gangs, composed of young men vying for territorial dominance, have turned residential areas into battlegrounds, leaving civilians—primarily women and children—caught in the crossfire. As a result, the number of internally displaced people has soared, with women bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Living conditions in the camps are deplorable, with scarce access to clean water, food, and medical services. Women have reported an increase in sexual violence, further exacerbating their suffering. "We are not safe here. The men who put us in this situation continue to terrorize us. We ran from the gangs, but we are still suffering because there is no security for us in these camps either," said Marie Desrosiers, a mother of three who fled her home in Croix-des-Bouquets.

The lack of governmental intervention and insufficient humanitarian aid have left these women with few options. Aid workers have emphasized the need for urgent action, calling on local authorities and international bodies to address the root cause of the crisis—gang control and lawlessness. "The Haitian government must take immediate steps to dismantle these gangs and restore order. Until then, women and children will continue to suffer the consequences of a war they did not start," said Jean Baptiste, a local human rights activist.

As the crisis deepens, displaced women continue to speak out, demanding security, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Without decisive action, Haiti’s most vulnerable population will remain trapped in an endless cycle of violence and displacement.