"The situation is all the more alarming for children, who are often subjected to all forms of armed violence, including forced recruitment and sexual violence," the U.N. in Haiti said.
A parent, carrying his child after picking him up from school, runs past police carrying out an operation against gangs in the Bel-Air area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on March 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph, File)
The surge of violence in central Haiti has been largely blamed on a gang called "Baz Gran Grif," which roughly translates to "Big Claw Crew."
In addition, nearly 260 kidnappings have been reported since the start of the year, with people abducted from their homes or public places, officials said.
Gangs have grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and already control an estimated 60% of Port-au-Prince. They also have been clashing in the central towns of Petite Riviere de l’Artibonite, Verrettes, Estere and Liancourt.
Prime Minister Ariel Henry last week signaled that he is seeking to mobilize Haiti’s military to help an under-resourced and understaffed police department fight the unrelenting gang violence, which has forced an increasing number of schools and businesses to shutter.