UN Human Rights Briefing by Marta Hurtado on Haiti report

UN Human Rights Spokesperson Marta Hurtado briefed journalists on a UN report detailing child trafficking by gangs and how it is putting Haiti’s future at risk.

The report, issued jointly by the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), states that most of the 26 gangs currently operating in Haiti are involved in child trafficking.

“It describes the different forms of exploitation to which children are subjected, ranging from running errands, monitoring security forces, or collecting extortion payments, to more violent acts like destruction of property, kidnappings, targeted killings and sexual violence,” she said.

“The report emphasizes that both structural factors, such as poverty, weak institutions and social exclusion, and situational factors like armed violence, contribute to an environment where children are increasingly at risk of being trafficked by gangs. They are either enticed by what they perceive as power, social status or protection, or lured through violence, threats, food or drugs,” Hurtado said.

“This risk is particularly acute for children from extremely poor and marginalized families, as well as those living on the streets or in displaced persons’ sites,” she added.

The report also says that despite some initiatives, insufficient attention is given to preventing child trafficking before it occurs, including by addressing the economic, social, and educational root causes that place children at risk of trafficking, while also ensuring accountability for traffickers to prevent future violations.

“It highlights that law enforcement officials often view children trafficked by gangs as perpetrators rather than victims. In some circumstances, some children accused of gang association have been summarily executed by police officers or killed by so-called self-defence groups, stresses the report,” the spokesperson said.

“The report calls for a comprehensive, human rights-centered strategy built around seven pillars: expanding social protection programs for vulnerable families in the capital, reinforcing schools as protective spaces, developing child-friendly spaces outside schools, increasing youth vocational and employment opportunities, strengthening rights-compliant law enforcement, prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, and improving accountability for child traffickers,” she concluded.

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva:

Marta Hurtado: +41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org

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