Amnesty International concerned about children joining criminal gangs in Haiti

LONDON, CMC – The London-based human rights group, Amnesty International, has expressed “deep concern” over gang-related violence, particularly against children, perpetrated in what it describes as “total impunity” in Haiti.

“We have documented heartbreaking stories of children forced to work for gangs: from running deliveries to gathering information and performing domestic tasks under threats of violence,” said Ana Piquer, Director for the Americas at Amnesty International.

“Additionally, girls have been subjected to rape and sexual violence. The desperation of their situation is truly disturbing; many have been displaced or have nowhere to go. The violence in Haiti is devastating, and Haitian children are paying the price. Children are sustaining serious injuries that will change their lives due to stray bullets or targeted attacks.”

She pointed to reports, stating recently, that 70 people, including children, died in a gang attack against the population in the Department of Artibonite in Haiti.

“The need for resources to comprehensively protect children's rights and prevent further abuses and violations is urgent, as is ending the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators,” Piquer said.

In an oral statement to the UN Human Rights Council earlier this week, Piquer said concerns were raised about widespread violence in Haiti, “driven by armed gangs that exploit and recruit children.

“Reports highlight the severe impact on minors, including sexual violence and injuries from gang-related violence. The ongoing impunity for these crimes exacerbates human rights violations, particularly regarding social and economic rights.”

With the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, led by Kenyan police, Amnesty International reiterated the urgent need “to ensure the mission establishes safeguards to prevent human rights violations, provides child protection training to its personnel, and commits to operating with the highest standards of transparency.

“It is truly concerning that the deployment of the Kenyan police contingent to Haiti is going forward, without transparent information regarding whether or how it has implemented human rights safeguards,” said Piquer, adding that among these protections is the need to ensure the MSS is prepared to encounter children during its operations, including children who have been recruited by gangs.

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