Children Trafficked by Gangs in Haiti: Rethinking the Responses
- Gangs in Haiti are increasingly involved in child trafficking for exploitation.
- Children are recruited through violence, threats, and the promise of material benefits.
- Exploitation includes forced labor, sexual exploitation, and participation in criminal activities.
- The Haitian justice system struggles to address child trafficking effectively.
- Social protection programs are insufficient to prevent child trafficking.
The report, a joint publication by the Human Rights Service (HRS) of BINUH and OHCHR, highlights the structural and contextual factors contributing to child trafficking by gangs in Haiti. Gangs employ tactics such as violence, threats, in-kind benefits, and drugs to recruit children, particularly targeting those from poor and marginalized families. Exploitation includes using boys for tasks like errands and intelligence gathering, eventually escalating to violent crimes, while girls face sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced participation in criminal activities. The report recommends a comprehensive, integrated response structured around seven pillars, addressing the root causes of trafficking and ensuring accountability for perpetrators, while prioritizing the rights and protection of child victims.
How to cite
United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH); Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 2026, Children Trafficked by Gangs in Haiti: Rethinking the Responses, https://binuh.unmissions.org/en/communiques-de-presse/la-traite-denfants-par-les-gangs-met-en-peril-lavenir-dhaiti-rapport