(2026) Enfants victimes de la traite par les gangs en Haïti : Repenser les réponses

[page 1] | CHILDREN TRAFFICKED BY GANGS IN HAÏTI: | RETHINKING THE RRRRONLSESS, y" à mn à ‘ à ne ET ; [page 2] AN \ \) \Y © 2026 United Nations This work is available open access by complying with the Creative Commons license created for inter-governmental organizations, available at: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc- nd/3.0/igo/ Publishers must delete the UN emblem from their edition and create a new cover design. Publishers should email the file of their edition to publications@un.org. Photocopies and reproductions of excerpts are allowed with proper credits. Cover photo: © Learning Space at Institute of Social Welfare and Research (ISWR), Port-au-Prince, 2025 [page 3] TABLE OF CONTENT EE Il. CHILDREN VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING BY GANGS: SCOPE AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS......................... 12 2.1. Definition of trafficking in persons …........................................................ 12 2.2. Extent of child trafficking by gangs …................................................... 138 2.3. Perpetrators of child trafficking 18 3.1. Use of threats and violence against children and their families... ........... 10 3.2. Transactional relationships: from in-kind benefits to financial incentives..…........................ 10 3.2.1. Meeting basic needs... 10 3.2.2. Distribution of money, sought-after items and drugs... 10 3.3. Perceived social status and protection through affiliation with gangs... 17 4.1. Recruitment for the purpose of exploitation in “minor” tasks or services... 19 4.2. Recruitment for the purpose of exploitation in criminal activities... 10 4.2.1. “initiation rites”... 1 4.2.2. Types of exploitation in criminal acts... .......... 00 4.3. Girls exploited by gangs: from recruitment to sexual exploitation and sexual slavery..….................... 91 5.1. Social protection programmes for families... 2 5.2. Access to financial services... .............................. 05 5.3. Schools as protective spaces... 25 5.3.1. Initiatives to keep children in school in gang-controlled areas... 06 5.3.2. Civic education initiatives ….............................................................. 25 5.4. Child-friendly spaces outside the school setting... ............... 28 5.4.1. Programs implemented by civil society and faith-based organizations …............................ 28 5.4.2. Programs implemented by the State... 28 5.5. Mental health care services su. 29 5.6. Strengthening vocational training and employment opportunities to combat social discrimination... 2 [page 4] VI. LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS AND JUSTICE MEASURES.................................................r 30 6.1. Law enforcement operations aimed at weakening gang capabilities.…................................... 90 6.1.1. Law enforcement's conduct toward children trafficked by gangs during security operations... 31 6.1.2. Measures to combat the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition.….............................. 6.2. Children in conflict with the law: Implementation of child rights-respectful justice... 99 6.2.1. Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory... 82 6.2.2. Specialized children's court: from dysfunction to limited implementation of the non-punishment principle.…. 35 6.2.3. Overcrowding at the Rehabilitation Center for Minors in Conflict with the Law 36 6.2.4. Limited reintegration and rehabilitation programs 36 6.3. Accountability for the crime of child trafficking.................................................. 237 6.3.1. Limited impact of the national legal framework and judicial jurisdiction …............................ 97 6.3.2. Improving the domestic approach... 87 [page 5] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In Haiti, at least 26 gangs' operate in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, as well as in several communes in the Artibonite and Centre departments. The majority of them are involved in child trafficking?. Based on quantitative and qualitative data, this report — published jointly by the Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haïti (BINUH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) — shows that both structural and contextual factors contribute to creating an environment in which children are increasingly exposed to the risk of trafficking by gangs. This risk is particularly acute for children from extremely poor and marginalized families, as well as for those living on the streets or in displacement sites. The report also documents the various tactics used by gangs to recruit children, particularly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, including the use of violence and threats against those who resist or attempt to leave. Gangs also lure children by offering in-kind benefits, regular pay, or drugs. They specifically target children at risk, seeking a sense of belonging, support, social recognition, and protection. In addition, the report describes in detail the different forms of exploitation faced by children. For example, boys are often used to carry out various tasks, including running errands, delivering messages, monitoring security forces and people‘s movements, and collecting extortion payments. Over time, after being subjected to violent ‘initiation rites,” they may be forced to take part in more serious crimes, including targeted killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and the destruction of property. Some are also involved in clashes with law enforcement. Girls, for their part, are frequently victims of rape, including collective rape, sexual exploitation and sexual slavery; they are forced to perform domestic work and, in some cases, are also compelled to engage in criminal activities. Child trafficking by gangs seriously undermines the full range of children's rights, exposing them to violence and exploitation and depriving them of essential opportunities such as access to education and decent living conditions. The long-term consequences are devastating, threatening not only the well- being of today's children, but also the prospects of future generations. While some initiatives by State authorities, as well as international and national organizations, seek to address the harm suffered by children involved with gangs, insufficient attention is paid upstream to the prevention of child trafficking. In the absence of urgent measures to protect children from such abuses, Haïti's very future is at risk. In this context, the HRS of BINUH and OHCHR recommend rethinking the response by the various actors to child trafficking by gangs, by adopting a human rights-based approach that considers these children first and foremost as victims, in accordance with international law and standards. The report proposes a comprehensive and integrated response by State authorities, supported by Haïtian civil society organizations and the international community, structured around seven pillars. These pillars address the root causes — economic, social and educational — that expose children and their families to the risk of trafficking, while ensuring accountability for the perpetrators of this crime as a means of preventing future violations. [1] See page 14 for a list of these gangs. [2] Child trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of any person under 18 years of age, irrespective of the means used, for the purpose of exploitation including forced criminality and sexual exploitation. For more information, see the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (also known as the “Palermo Protocol”). [3] For more details on the international legal framework, see Annex II. [page 6] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Pillar 1 - Strengthening social protection programmes and access to K () financial services for families from marginalized neighbourhoods Families constitute the first line of protection against the recruitment of children by gangs. The report calls for strengthening and adapting social protection programmes to urban dynamics in order to improve families’ social and economic conditions and to address the main risk factors for trafficking, such as limited access to education or families’ lack of financial resources — obstacles that reduce children's employment prospects when they reach working age. Existing social protection programmes remain underfunded and heavily dependent on donor assistance. Their geographical coverage is limited, notably excluding large urban areas under gang control. They also face operational challenges, such as errors in beneficiary targeting and constraints that hinder the conversion of digital cash transfers into usable cash. In addition, institutional mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, as well as accountability mechanisms to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, are lacking. This is compounded by serious difficulties in accessing financial services supported by public banks or community initiatives, which are nevertheless essential to achieve medium- and long-term impact, in complement to social programmes. Ultimately, this situation leaves families — particularly female-headed households — with insufficient support to prevent the recruitment of children or to help them disengage from gang activities. ‘ni Pillar 11 - Supporting schools as protective spaces Schools play a crucial deterrent role by offering both learning opportunities and protection from gang influence. However, corruption, chronic underfunding, reliance on private education, and gang violence seriously undermine the enjoyment of the right to education‘. In areas under gang control, schools are only allowed to operate if they pay “taxes” to gang leaders. In some cases, school fees are covered by these same gangs in exchange for children's involvement in their activities. Despite these challenges, public authorities and international partners, including United Nations agencies, continue to support children's school attendance through the establishment of school canteens, the rehabilitation of schools, the creation of temporary learning spaces, cash transfers to families, and the distribution of school supplies. Schools can also foster a protective environment for children through civic education initiatives, such as those carried out by the Community Education Police (EDUPOL) and Peace and Integrity Clubs, which are designed to strengthen resilience to gang influence, promote social cohesion and cultivate a culture of peace. Strengthening the capacity and status of teachers is equally essential, so that they are equipped with the skills needed to identify and address potential cases of human trafficking within the school and the wider community. Although these interventions are not immune to gang interference, they are extremely complex to implement and entail security risks for both public and private actors. Nevertheless, the State, with the support of the international community and civil society organizations, must continue and strengthen these efforts in order to guarantee access to education and maintain schools as safe spaces, with a view to reducing gang influence over children. [4] In 2025, 1,606 schools were closed across Haïti, affecting 243,000 students, according to UNICEF (July 31, 2025). “Haïti Humanitarian Situation Report No. 6,” available at https://reliefweb.int/attachments/d64cc276-e61d-4e51- 98c5-b9911c608a05/UNICEF%20Haiti#20Humanitarian#20Situation#20Report#20No.%206%20-%20Mid- Year%202025.pdf [page 7] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SE SPACE ARR | Pillar II - Developing child-friendly spaces outside of school EVERYONe As schools struggle to operate in areas under gang control, child-friendly spaces outside the formal education system have become essential to reducing child trafficking by gangs. Although these structures — limited in number and often run by community-based and faith-based organizations — provide services such as food distributions, medical care, psychosocial support, recreational and sports activities, and support to parents, they are severely hindered by insecurity. They also face difficulties in securing donor funding, in particular because of fears of negative publicity or a perception of complicity. Specialized mental health services provided by these organizations are also scarce and costly, leaving the majority of children without access to specialized care. As part of government efforts, an ad hoc Presidential Commission was established in June 2025 to launch a national network of reception centres and rehabilitation homes, providing safe spaces and psychosocial support to children who are victims of trafficking by gangs. During the same period, a programme known as PREJEUNES was set up by the public authorities, with the support of UNICEF, to provide community-based assistance through “Youth Centres” established in the capital. a Pillar IV - Strengthening vocational training initiatives and young people's V=/ future employment opportunities to combat poverty and marginalization Poverty in Haïti pushes many people, including children, to seek sources of income from a very young age, often through illegal activities carried out by gangs, in order to meet their own needs or those of their families. In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local service providers have implemented small-scale vocational training initiatives, offering short-term income and skills development. However, the impact of these initiatives remains limited, due to the scale of the employment crisis and the reluctance of many businesses to hire people from marginalized areas, who are stigmatized as posing risks to companies’ operations or reputation. It is therefore essential to design and implement vocational training programmes that are closely tailored to the specific needs and realities of local economies, in order to expand young people's prospects for decent employment when they enter the labor market and thereby reduce their vulnerability to exclusion and exploitation. [page 8] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 Pillar V - Reducing gangs’ capacity through strengthened law enforcement Fe measures As of 31 January 2026, operations conducted by the security forces have slowed the territorial expansion of gangs in the capital but have not succeeded in regaining control of areas under their control or dismantling their criminal governance. Support for these operations therefore remains a priority, while ensuring compliance with international human rights law and standards, in particular with regard to the treatment of children who are victims of trafficking by gangs. In this respect, operations must be conducted in accordance with the “Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory”, signed in 2023 between the Government and the United Nations. In some circumstances, children accused of association with gangs have been victims of extreme violence, including summary executions carried out by law enforcement and killings perpetrated by so-called self-defence groups. Respect for human rights by law enforcement is both a legal obligation of the State and a key factor in strengthening community trust. The deployment of the recently established Gang Suppression Force (GSF), tasked with conducting anti-gang operations, must also ensure that the rights of the child are fully respected and protected in the planning and conduct of its operations, in accordance with international human rights law and United Nations Security Council resolution 2793 (2025). To the extent that access to and possession of firearms and ammunition strengthen the control exercised by gangs over the population, including children’, the authorities’ efforts to combat illicit arms flows must continue, notably through strengthening the capacities of customs services and specialized police units, and by pursuing accountability for high-level individuals involved in trafficking networks. In addition, the national authorities should advance the National Strategy on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Community Violence Reduction (DDR-CVR), adopted in 2021, in particular its provisions on voluntary disarmament. At the same time, the international community should ensure the strict implementation of the United Nations arms embargo on Haiti. [5] For more details, see the Protocol between the Government of the Republic of Haiti (under the leadership of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour) on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory. [6] See United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (March 28, 2025), “Human Rights Situation in Haïti,” A/HRC/58/76, available at https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/55/76 [page 9] EXECUTIVE SUMMARY £ + Pillar VI - Prioritizing rehabilitation and reintegration measures for children #y%* over punitive measures The “Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory”, in line with international human rights law standards, considers children associated with gangs first and foremost as victims. It prioritizes family- or community-based solutions, accompanied by rehabilitation and reintegration measures, rather than detention. Despite this, the Haïtian judicial authorities appear to place greater emphasis on the principle of the criminal responsibility of minors than on the principle of non-punishment applicable to victims of trafficking. In addition, cases involving children associated with gangs are often handled by a dysfunctional juvenile justice system”. In Port-au-Prince, these children are detained alongside other children in conflict with the law and adults at the Centre for the Reintegration of Children in Conflict with the Law (CERMICOL), the only operational detention facility in the capital°. Many children remain there in prolonged pretrial detention under inhuman conditions and have little or no access to educational or rehabilitation services”. In the face of these challenges, the HRS supports the judicial authorities in ensuring fair and effective judicial proceedings for children formerly associated with gangs, while advocating for human rights-based responses. This includes promoting rehabilitation and reintegration measures in place of criminal prosecution, as well as calling for the release of children who are arbitrarily and unlawfully detained. NA97 Pillar VII - Strengthening the fight against impunity for the crime of child 1° trafficking and access to effective remedies Despite the existence of a legal and institutional framework to combat child trafficking, in line with applicable international norms and standards, accountability in practice remains extremely weak due to limited investigative and prosecutorial capacities. In light, among others, of these structural shortcomings, as well as other deficiencies that seriously affect the functioning of the justice system, the Haitian Government approved by decree, in April 2025, the creation of two specialized judicial units, developed with the support of the HRS and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). One of these units is responsible for investigating serious human rights violations - including child trafficking - and prosecuting those responsible, while the other focuses on complex financial crimes. Alongside the development of specialized capacities within the police and the strengthening of cooperation with foreign jurisdictions, including through the use of extraterritorial jurisdiction, these units will play a decisive role in ensuring criminal accountability for the crime of child trafficking. [7] See United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (28 March 2024). “Situation of human rights in Haïti”, A/HRC/55/76, available at https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/55/76. [8] Ibidem [9] Ibidem [page 10] .. HR die , LE F: Æ 24 y à. , VS 2 re + sd PART | >. I. Context: impact of armed gang violence on children IL Children victims of trafficking by gangs: scope and human rights considerations IL. Tactics used by gangs to traffic children IV. Forms of child exploitation by gangs e [page 11] 1. CONTEXT: IMPACT OF ARMED GANG VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN In recent years, Haiti has experienced an escalation in gang-related violence, both in terms of intensity and territorial reach. Since the Breakdown of child victims (killings and beginning of 2023, violence that was previously concentrated in the injuries) by perpetrator and/or context metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince has gradually spread to the rural 2022-2025 areas surrounding the capital, as well as to the Artibonite and Centre departments". Children have not been spared by this violence. According to the HRS, 25% between January 2022 and December 2025, of the 26,188 people killed or injured, at least 806 were children (536 boys and 270 girls)". Total These victims (killed and injured) result from three dynamics: attacks s% 806 carried out by gangs (72 per cent of child victims), security operations against gangs, including summary executions (25 per cent), and acts of 72% “popular justice” perpetrated by so-called self-defence groups, as well as by members of the population (three per cent). These data are, however, far from exhaustive"? For example, according EH During security operations against . . | k . gangs and summary executions to local sources, children associated with gangs who are killed during clashes between rival groups or in the course of police operations often BE By acts of “popular justice" remain unidentified"?. During this period, at least 220 children were also kidnapped for ransom L] By gang attacks by gangs". The victims were abducted from their homes, on their way to or from school, while walking, or while going about other daily activities. In addition, numerous girls and, to a lesser extent, boys have been victims of rape, often committed by multiple perpetrators, during gang attacks in neighbourhoods controlled by rival groups or in other areas targeted for expansion. Sexual violence has also been perpetrated against girls while travelling on public transport, during captivity following kidnappings, and in makeshift sites hosting displaced persons. Gang violence has also severely undermined children's ability to enjoy their economic, social and cultural rights. Violations include, in particular, restricted access to education and health care following the closure of facilities, as well as deteriorating access to drinking water, sanitation, nutrition, and food security, notably as a result of forced displacement and loss of livelihoods. In 2025, 1,606 schools were closed across Haïti, affecting 243,000 students'°, while only 5 per cent of the 93 health facilities assessed in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince were fully operational". [10] OHCHR and BINUH (July 2025), “Intensification of criminal violence in Lower Artibonite, the Centre Department and areas east of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince”, available at https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/2025-july-artibonite-and- mirebalais-EN.pdf [11] According to the HRS, 18,187 people were killed (15,511 men, 2,163 women, 345 boys and 168 girls), and 8,001 were injured (6,151 men, 1,557 women, 191 boys and 102 girls). [12] For other violations, see United Nations Security Council (17 June 2025), “Children and Armed Conflict: Report of the Secretary- General”, available at https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4084012?In=fr&v=pdf [13] Their bodies are often mutilated or disfigured by the power of the firearms used, or burned either by the police or by gangs in order to prevent their identification, or for so-called “mystical” purposes linked to alleged religious practices. [14] Of the 5,454 documented kidnappings, 3,472 victims were men, 1,762 were women, 116 were boys and 104 were girls. [15] Sixty per cent of these schools are located in the West department. For further details, see UNICEF (31 July 2025), “Haiti Humanitarian Situation Report No. 6”, available at https://www.unicef.org/media/172991/file/Haiti#20Humanitarian-SitRep-Mid-Year- 2025.pdf [16] United Nations Security Council (27 June 2025), “S/2025/418", available at https://docs.un.org/en/S/2025/418 [page 12] Il. CHILDREN AS VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING BY GANGS: SCOPE AND HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS Among the various violations committed against children in Haïti in recent years, recruitment by gangs has been frequently reported by national and international organizations and the media/”. Nevertheless, this phenomenon has not been sufficiently addressed through the lens of trafficking, which requires the implementation of specific prevention and protection measures. EME Definition of trafficking in persons nt its international conrimenss Haïti ns legal The crime of trafficking comprises three © igations to protect c | ren rom vIolence essential and interrelated elements: including abuse and exploitation by criminal gangs - and to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration. These 1 The act: recruiting, transporting, transferring, obligations apply regardless of whether a child has been harbouring, or receiving the person. formally identified as a victim of trafficking ”. The main international instrument establishing both the The means: using threat, force, other forms of definition of trafficking and the obligations of States is coercion, a position of vulnerability, or the the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking 2 giving or receiving of payments or benefits to in Persons, Especially Women and Children facilitate the act. Unlike in the case of adults, supplementing the United Nations Convention against there is no legal requirement to show “means” Transnational Organized Crime. in the case of children. In accordance with this Protocol, children cannot legally The purpose of exploitation: forced criminality, consent to their own exploitation; any involvement is 3 the prostitution of others or other forms of therefore presumed to be coercive, regardless of any sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, apparent consent. It should further be noted that the slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude victim's consent in no way affects the criminal liability of or the removal of organs. the perpetrator of the offence?. : . Le Source: UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish However, analysing îhe facts surrounding trafficking can Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, provide valuable insights into is root causes and help supplementing the United Nations Convention against inform the design of targeted interventions. Transnational Organized Crime (also known as the ‘Palermo Protocol”) [17] See, for example, Le Nouvelliste (5 September 2023), “Street children, fertile ground for recruitment by armed gangs”, available at https://lenouvelliste.com/article/244288/les-enfants-des-rues-un-terrain-fertile-de-recrutement-pour-les-gangs-armes; Ayibopost (18 June 2024), “My life as a child member of 5 Segonn in Village de Dieu”, available at https://ayibopost.com/my-life-as-a-child-member-of-5- segonn-in-village-de-dieu/; and Amnesty International (12 February 2025), “Gangs’ assault on childhood in Haiti”, available at https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/02/haiti-children-suffering-gang-recruitment-attacks-sexual-violence/ [18] See United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1 September 2025), “The rights of the child and human rights violations against children in armed conflicts”, A/HRC/60/51, para. 60: “In areas where organized criminal gangs or paramilitary groups operate, children are exposed to extreme violence, including killings, mutilations, exploitation and abuse. States have an obligation to adopt comprehensive strategies based on the rights of the child in order to prevent and respond to such violations” (arts. 19 and 34-38), available at https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/60/51 [19] Convention on the Rights of the Child, articles 19 and 34 to 39 [20] OHCHR (2014). “Fact Sheet No. 36: Human Rights and Human Trafficking”, available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/publications/fact- Sheets/fact-sheet-no-36-human-rights-and-human-trafficking, page 35 [page 13] AA Scale of child trafficking by gangs ÆÆMPerpetrators of child trafficking In 2024, more than 500,000 children were living in areas On the basis of testimonies, videos of gang attacks and under gang control". By December 2025, gang violence propaganda content disseminated by gang members on had forced over 1,400,000 people to seek refuge in social media, the HRS established that the 26 overcrowded makeshift sites or with host families??. More gangs” operating in the metropolitan area of Port-au- than 53 percent of these people were children”. Prince, as well as in significant areas of the Artibonite . . and Centre departments, are involved, to varying AI of these circumstances expose children to an degrees, in child trafficking, in particular for the increased SK of human rights violations, including purposes of recruitment and exploitation in criminal trafficking”*. activities. Nevertheless, there are currently no comprehensive data Seven gang leaders are subject to sanctions imposed by on the number of children who are victims of trafficking : : ; : . nn : . the United Nations Security Council under resolution by gangs. The limited information available relates only to 2653 (2022)%, for acts constituting a threat to the peace the number of children recruited by gangs, which . : : | | and security of the country, including their involvement represents only fraction of the children who are actually in criminal activities and human rights abuses®. Three victims of trafficking. By Way of example, according to of these individuals — Luckson Élan, Wilson Joseph and the annuel report of the United Nations Secretary-General Innocent Vitelhomme, the respective leaders of the Gran on children and armed conflict, at least 302 children (256 Grif, 400 Mawozo and Kraze Baryè gangs — are listed for boys end 46 girls) were recruited and exploited by the recruitment of children*?. The Viv Ansanm coalition gangs is also listed for the recruitment and use of children in Despite this lack of quantitative data, qualitative the 2024 annual report of the Special Representative of information collected from victims’ families, State the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict authorities, local service providers, United Nations for the year 2024*1. agencies and other international organizations confirms an alarming increase in the number of children who are victims of trafficking by gangs”. [21] OHCHR (June 2024), “Haiti: A growing number of displaced persons are in desperate need of protection and priority assistance, UN experts urge” available at https://www.ohchr.org/fr/press-releases/2024/06/haiti-soaring-number-displaced-desperately-need- protection-and-aid-priority [22] International Organization for Migration (I0M) (September 2025), “Haiti - Report on the displacement situation in Haiti - Round 11”, available at https://dtm.iom.int/fr/node/57236 [231 Ibidem [24] United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (25 September 2023), “Situation of human rights in Haiti”, available at https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/54/79 [25] Report of the Secretary-General (17 June 2025), “Children and armed conflict”, A/79/878-S/2025/247, available at https://docs.un.org/en/s/2025/247 [26] These findings are supported by several elements, including reports from local service providers interviewed by the HRS, who indicated that in recent months there has been an increase in the number of families seeking assistance to help their children disengage from gangs. In addition, during recent human rights awareness sessions organized by the HRS, police officers involved in anti-gang operations reported an alarming increase in the presence of children manning illegal checkpoints in the streets of the capital. [27] The HRS collected and corroborated information, including digital evidence, that established a link between these gangs and child trafficking. [28] This resolution was subsequently renewed by resolutions 2700 (2023), 2752 (2024) and 2794 (2025). [29] These seven individuals are Jimmy Chérizier, leader of the Delmas 6 gang; Jonhson André, leader of the Village de Dieu gang; Renel Destina, leader of the Grand Ravine gang; Wilson Joseph, leader of the 400 Mawozo gang; Vitelhomme Innocent, leader of the Kraze Baryè gang; Luckson Élan, leader of the Gran Grif gang; and Kempes Sanon, leader of the Bel Air gang. [30] United Nations sanctions targeting Luckson Élan, Wilson Joseph and Innocent Vitelhomme: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/luckson-elan; https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/wilson-joseph; and https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/vitelhomme-innocent [31] United Nations Security Council (June 2025), “Children and armed conflict, Report of the Secretary-General”, A/79/878-S/2025/247, available at https://docs.un.org/en/s/2025/247 [page 14] Prophane Victor, a former Haïitian parliamentarian, and ch h Croixcd d Dimitri Hérard, former head of the General Security Unit of en Mechan roix-des-Bouquets (West dept.) the National Palace (GSUNP) under the presidency of Jovenel Moïse, are also on the United Nations sanctions Delmas Delmas (West dept.) list. Prophane Victor is suspected of involvement in arms trafficking and of having resorted to violence, including Délugé Montrouis (Artibonite dept.) through the creation and support of the Gran Grif gang. Dimitri Hérard is suspected of having played a central role . . in supporting criminal networks and gangs in Haïti, in Descahos Gonaïves (Artibonite dept.) particular by helping the Ti Bwa gang strengthen its . . operational capacities. The gangs 400 Mawozo, Belekou, Gran Grif es Rivière de l'Artibonite (Artibonite Brooklyn, Gran Grif, Grand Ravine and its 103 Zombies cell, ept.) Ti Bwa, and Village de Dieu are highly involved in child . | ie 32 Grand Ravine Port-au-Princee (West dept.) trafficking”*. Beyond the United Nations framework, unilateral sanctions Kokorat Sans Ras | L'Estère (Artibonite dept.) have also been imposed by Canada, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom and the United States against : : these individuals, as well as against 37 other actors Les Argentins Port-au-Prince (West dept.) involved in activities undermining peace and security in Haïti, including gang violence, corruption and other La Saline Port-au-Prince ( West dept.) serious crimes. Some of these sanctions regimes explicitly cite the recruitment of children among the Pierre VI Cité Soleil (West dept.) grounds for listing five gang leaders”. Mean amende | 7 DT Simon Pelé Cité Soleil (West dept.) 103 Zombies Gressier (West dept.) Terre Noire Cité Soleil (West dept.) Croix-des-Bouquets and Ganthier 400 Mawozo j i [es dept.) and Mirebalais (Centre rive Port-au-Prince (West dep.) and ept.) Carrefour (West dept.) Base Pilate Port-au-Prince (West dept.) Tokyo Delmas (West dept.) Belek Cité Soleil (West dept. s'exou ité Soleil (West dept.) Village de Dieu Port-au-Prince (West dept.) Boston Cité Soleil (West dept.) Wharf Jérémie Port-au-Prince (West dept.) Brooklyn Cité Soleil (West dept.) Krache Difè Port-au-Prince (West dept.) ix-des- Pétion Ville (West dept.) and Tabarre Canaan Croix-des-Bouquets (West dept.) and Kraze Baryè ( pt.) Saut d'Eau (Centre dept.) (West dept.) 132] United Nations Security Council concerning Luckson Élan: https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/luckson-elan, and United Nations Security Council (30 September 2024), “Letter dated 30 September 2024 from the Panel of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2653 (2022) addressed to the President of the Security Council”, S/2024/704, para. 128, available at https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4064700?1n=en&v=pdf [33] These individuals are Christ-Roi Chéry, Luckson Élan, Wilson Joseph, Jeff Larosse and Innocent Vitelhomme. [page 15] II. TACTICS USED BY GANGS TO TRAFFIC CHILDREN In marginalized areas under gang control, where State to increased surveillance and, in some cases, direct authorities and public services have either withdrawn threats aimed at forcing the children to rejoin the gang. because of insecurity or were never effectively present, Out of fear of reprisals and in the absence of relocation large segments of the population, including children, are options outside areas under gang control, families rarely threatened or coerced into accepting gangs as “social report such incidents to the police or to service regulators”. These gangs establish and enforce illegal providers. rules governing behaviour, movement and economic activities, and often control access to services, using *Interview of a former gang element, violence to ensure compliance with those rules. Joseph, 16 years old The has HRS documented various tactics used by gangs in , , , child trafficking: | grew up in a poor neighbourhood where gangs controlled everything. | saw armed men in the streets (i) the use of violence and threats against all the time. Some were well-dressed, had nice cars, children and their families; and were surrounded by women. They were the ones who made the rules in our neighbourhood. For us (ii) the provision of in-kind benefits or cash children, it was normal. We didn't have many payments, as well as drugs; and opportunities to play sports or have fun, and there iii) the creation of a sense of belonging and the really wasn't any hope for the future. granting of “social status”. One day, towards the end of August 2024, | was hanging out with a friend and he told me that he was 8.1. | part of a gang. He talked to me about all the positive things the gang gave him, like money and the feeling of being important. He told me ! should join them too. The recruitment of children by gangs has evolved in line 1 hesitated because l'knew it was dangerous, but ! with their operational needs. According to information cerner pRe ot collected by the HRS, recruitment appears to increase Shortly after l joined, a gang member gave me a radio immediately following periods marked by clashes between and asked me to monitor the police and inform the rival gangs or between gangs and security forces. These gang of their movements. Then the gang leader gave violent confrontations result in significant losses among me a firearm. There were rumours of a major police gang members”. In response, gangs resort to violence, operation, and | was told that ! would have to fight the threats and coercion in order to rapidly replenish their police. | was afraid, because | did not want to be ranks and maintain their operational capacities. For killed. | told the gang leader that | wanted to go home. example, in some neighbourhoods, gangs have destroyed He became very angry and struck me with the the homes of families who refused to allow their children weapon. He hit me repeatedly until he broke my hand. to be recruited. He told me that if ! tried to leave, he would kill me. Gangs also resort to violence against children and their Even though | was very afraid of the gang, | managed families who attempt to disengage from them. Some to escape shortly afterwards. Someone in my children have been severely beaten or shot in the hands or community told me about an organization that could feet, while others have been killed in public places. The help me get medical care and support. | contacted fear of such retaliation often keeps children trapped within them in September 2024 and, since then, they have the gang. been helping me through psychosocial counselling Service providers have also observed that, when children and support to cope with everything | went through”. manage to leave a gang, their families are often subjected Source: Service provider [34] Limited access on the ground and to relevant services, owing to security constraints, has in many cases hindered the HRS's ability to determine the age of gang members killed during clashes with the police. This constraint makes it particularly difficult to distinguish between older adolescents and young adults, thereby affecting the accuracy of the related figures. [page 16] The use of threats against girls is primarily aimed at EPA Meeting basic needs forcing them into sexual relationships with gang members, rather than recruiting them to participate in As part of their tactic to exploit children and strengthen criminal activities, as is more commonly the case for their capacities, some gangs, such as Grand Ravine, Ti boys. As documented by the HRS, during these forced Bois and Village de Dieu, have established well-organized relationships — which in some cases can last for systems that claim to “take care of” street children or several months — girls are subjected to sexual those whose families are unable to meet their needs. violence. Refusal of these relationships often results in According to information collected by the HRS, these violent reprisals, including rape, homicide, and arson gangs provide meals through canteens, operating targeting the homes of the girls and their families. alongside official school canteens”’. These distributions take place in community spaces and specifically target In order to protect their daughters from such practices, children, women, and the elderly. Some of the food some families try to move them to safer areas of the distributed, as well as other goods such as household capital or to other regions of the country. However, this items, come from trucks hijacked while passing through requires economic resources, which many families do or near neighbourhoods under gang control. not have. It should be noted that, among families with no viable alternatives, some have encouraged their Children, particularly those living on the streets or daughters to maintain “romantic relationships” with without family networks, may also be housed by gangs, specific gang members, as a perceived protective often in shared dwellings, usually abandoned by owners strategy. who fled their neighbourhoods to escape violence. In some cases, a child may be assigned individual [3.2] Transactional relationships: from in- accommodation. They also receive clothing and are : : : son . encouraged to maintain a “neat and clean appearance.” kind benefits to financial incentives onu a Local sources interviewed indicated that for many In marginalized areas, the absence of State services children meeting their basic needs contributes to a sense and viable or stable income opportunities leads some of protection that goes beyond mere physical safety®. members of the population, including children, to join gangs in order to provide for their families*. In these EfMistribution of money, coveted goods, neighbourhoods, gangs often dominate the local and drugs economy and present themselves 3s the only available Beyond meeting immediate and basic needs, gangs with source of income, even though it is based on illegal Le . . . activities. Significant material resources are perceived by residents as genuine "social investors” Local interlocutors However, the mere presence of gangs in a explained to the HRS that these gangs are sometimes the marginalized neighbourhood does not automatically only ones providing cash assistance and paid “jobs” in a lead children to show interest in joining them; this context marked by the absence of social protection interest largely depends on the gang's ability to provide systems and limited economic opportunities. For material support and “protection.” While many gangs in example, the Grand Ravine and Village de Dieu gangs — Port-au-Prince have the resources to do so, others are considered two of the most powerful and well-resourced significantly less wealthy and influential. In these gangs in Haiti, according to local media” and videos they latter contexts, despite the hardships families may themselves have posted on social media to display their face, parents often oppose their children joining them. material wealth — periodically distribute coveted goods that are out of reach for the majority of families living in [35] For more information, see Section IV - Forms of child exploitation by gangs - 4.3 Girls exploited by gangs: from recruitment to sexual exploitation and sexual slavery, page 21. [36] According to the World Bank, in 2024, 36 percent of Haitians were living in extreme poverty (with less than USD 2.15 per day), a situation which, combined with other economic indicators, makes Haïti the poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean. World Bank (28 April 2025), “The World Bank in Haiti: Overview”, available at https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/haiti [371 For more information, see Part Il of this report. [38] See Section II - Tactics used by gangs in child trafficking - 3.3. Perceived social status and protection, page 17. [39] Ayibopost (15 April 2024), “Ongoing construction in Village de Dieu: Viv Ansanm destroys the lower part of the city”, available at https://ayibopost.com/chantier-en-cours-au-village-de-dieu-viv-ansanm-detruit-le-bas-de-la-ville/ [page 17] poverty. Among these goods are motorcycles, phones, Conversely, gangs with more limited resources and a electronic devices, and branded shoes. As with food restricted capacity to offer attractive benefits, such as supplies, many of these items come from hijacked cargo those operating in Brooklyn (Cité Soleil), tend to attract trucks. These distributions often serve as the first point of fewer children. In these specific contexts, some families contact between many children and the gangs. have even gone so far as to plead with gang leaders to . | refrain from recruiting their children, only to be told that Children are also drawn to these gangs by the promise of the child “has made their own choice” and that the regular payment. Depending on the nature of the tasks parents “no longer have control over them”. assigned, payments range approximately from USD 100 to 300 for activities such as guarding kidnapped persons, The distribution of drugs is another tactic used by gangs gathering information, ransacking homes, or monitoring to recruit children. Although the scale of this practice police movements. According to local sources, these could not be assessed by the HRS, some service payments are generally made twice a month. Higher providers and former gang members interviewed payments, reaching up to USD 700, are reportedly granted confirmed that it is common for gangs to recruit for participation in “major missions,” such as carrying out vulnerable children by providing them with small amounts Kidnappings, hijacking vehicles, or engaging in armed of marijuana or cocaine, deliberately trapping them in a clashes with rival gangs. cycle of addiction. : rune : In this regard, some children associated with gangs have Interview with Pierre, a child formerly . . . . openly admitted to local sources that they use drugs to associated with a gang, recruited at the age “ . a . . remets. increase their strength and to lessen their fear during armed clashes and other criminal activities". “Lwas 10 and | was living with my aunt. She did not EM Perceived social status and protection have money to send me to school. | chose to stay through affiliation with gangs on the street to beg. Members of the neighbourhood . . k gang, including the ‘leader’, would come to see me. According to Haitian psychosocial counsellors They gave me cigarettes and leftover cocaine. | experienced in Supporting children, those affected by became heavily addicted. After using cocaine, | no violence are particularly likely to experience a deep sense longer behaved like a normal person. ! felt like | was of abandonment and lack of belonging. AS a resuhl, they in another worid and felt ready to kill anyone. are drawn to harmful coping mechanisms, such as associating with gangs, which “offer” them a sense of The gang was made up only of young men and a few order, protection, and social status otherwise absent from women. They always had weapons and were their lives, in contrast to the chaos and fear prevailing in constantly using cocaine as well. | grew closer to many disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince. the gang. l became a ‘toutè' for the gang. | watched At first glance, gangs may “offer” a sense of family and the police and informed the gang of their camaraderie, where members look out for one another. movements. | had a radio that helped me do my One counsellor interviewed by the HRS also indicated that job." some children believe that carrying firearms would protect them from the pervasive violence around them. Source: HRS . : Alarmingly, some of the children who expressed such perceptions were only six years old. [40] The HRS has identified the gangs to which these children are affiliated but has refrained from disclosing their names in this report in order to protect them against potential reprisals. [page 18] These perceptions are further reinforced by social media. Photos and videos shared on online platforms such as TikTok and YouTube portray gang life as glamorous and appealing, featuring large parties, expensive clothing and ® jewelery, bundles of cash and, frequently, the presence of FER women. These images act as powerful incentives for children to join gangs in pursuit of similar status, material |Ms benefits and a sense of belonging. | Among many young people in Haïti, the rap videos of the L | . ” Village de Dieu gang leader, Johnson André, also known >. j | AD | as “IZ0”, enjoy notable popularity. In April 2023, he , À SP, | received a YouTube “Creator Award” for surpassing UN \&., 44 27 | 100,000 subscribers on his channel. Although his official Music video posted by the Village de Dieu gang on YouTube, YouTube account was subsequently removed following showing easy access to sought-after goods by its members. repeated reports of his involvement in human rights A | violations, a new channel entitled “UV” (an acronym : for “Unité Village de Die”, the gang unit known for its Gang leaders — including Jimmy Chérizier of the Delmas 6 clashes with the police) was created and continues to gang, Joseph Wilson of the 400 Mawozo gang and Luckson broadcast videos portraying the lifestyle of gang members Élan of the Gran Grif gang — frequently use WhatsApp to and glorifying their criminal activities‘. By December disseminate videos in which they portray themselves as 2025, videos posted on this account had accumulated providers of “social services” to marginalized populations, more than 1.7 million views. As of the same date, videos while at the same time issuing threats against State actors, produced by the Village de Dieu gang promoting its the international community, journalists and anyone who abuses remained accessible on TikTok. publicly denounces their criminal activities. [41] YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@uvdmedia [page 19] IV. FORMS OF CHILD EXPLOITATION BY GANGS The HRS has documented multiple forms of child trafficking by gangs in Haïti for exploitation purposes, which vary according to the child's age and gender, as well as the gangs’ internal needs and structure. These forms include performing support tasks for the gangs, such as running errands or collecting extortion payments; ransacking and destroying property; and being forced to participate in criminal acts, including violent clashes with other gangs or the police, and killings. Regarding girls and young women, they are generally subjected to sexual exploitation and sexual slavery and are most often forced to perform domestic tasks. In some cases, they are also compelled to participate in criminal activities such as gathering information, monitoring areas, or using firearms during gang operations. EMR Recruitment for the purpose of exploitation in “minor” tasks or services The exploitation of some children by gangs is limited to established “initiation rites” to mark the admission of new performing so-called minor tasks or services, such as members into their ranks. Service providers have confirmed running errands or delivering messages or goods on that, during this initiation phase, children who show behalf of gang members. Others may be involved in reluctance to fully commit are forced to carry out acts of activities on the fringes of criminality, generally without violence, such as killings — sometimes even of a family the use of violence, including acting as lookouts or member — to demonstrate their loyalty and secure their monitoring police movements — a role known in Creole as position within the gang. Such acts isolate the children toutè. from their families and communities, effectively compelling : . : them to remain in the gang. In other cases, the initiation Many children engage mn these tasks on an occasionel phase involves forcing children to take part in violent basis to generate additional income, either for their own clashes with rival gangs, during which they are ordered to needs or to Support their family”. In some cases, the kill “enemies.” Local sources have reported that the intense exploitation of children by gangs may Stop at this stage, desire of some children to be accepted by the gang drives without leading to increased involvement in criminal them to kill without remorse or to engage in armed activities or deeper integration into the gang's structure. confrontations. [4.2] Recruitment for the purpose of exploitation Rape, often collective, is also used as a tactic by some in criminal activities gangs against newly recruited boys and girls. In some cases, these rapes are motivated by gang members’ However, over time, some children become increasingly purportedly mystical beliefs, claiming that such practices involved and are drawn into progressively violent and transfer their power to the children. In other cases, rape is criminal activities, which firmly embed them within the used to prevent new recruits from returning to their families gangs and make leaving much more difficult. These and communities, further trapping them under the gang's children — particularly those who express a desire to control. In a social context where survivors of sexual become “full” members of a gang while simultaneously violence, both men and women, are often stigmatized, once showing hesitation or reluctance to commit violent acts — a child has been sexually assaulted by gang members, they are often subjected to “initiation rites”. are frequently perceived as “tainted” and presumed to have become a gang member. “Initiation rites” Once considered fully integrated into the gang, recruits are The HRS has documented that several gangs — including sometimes subjected to a second ‘initiation ceremony” the 400 Mawozo, Belekou, Canaan, Grand Ravine, KraZe intended not only to “immunize” them against attacks by Baryè, La Saline, and Village de Dieu—have enemies but also to instill unwavering loyalty. As described [42] These activities constitute a form of child trafficking whenever a child is recruited, used, or controlled by a gang for exploitation purposes, including performing illicit or dangerous tasks, with the child's consent, the existence of payment, or any informal arrangement being legally irrelevant in this context. For more information on the definition and legal framework of child trafficking, see Section 2.1 (‘Definition of Trafficking in Persons”), page 12. [43] The HRS has identified some of these gangs but has refrained from disclosing their names in order to prevent any risk of reprisals. [page 20] by children in contact with service providers, these hierarchy and entrusted with leadership roles at the head practices — known as rit pwoteksyon yo and said to of sub-units. confer invulnerability — draw on elements of Vodou that . A . . . have been appropriated and distorted by the gangs, as Service providers working with children who are gang documented in several historical and anthropological members or are in contact win gangs have reported that research studies“. some of these children display a ‘“ruthless and remorseless” attitude toward killing. This behavior is These manipulations of religious beliefs often involve the driven by an intense desire for acceptance and the need use of so-called protective potions, prayers, or tattoos — to secure a place within the gang, although some practices that gang members believe can protect them accounts also indicate that many of these children appear from gunfire during armed clashes. Other to act under the influence of psychoactive substances. initiation ceremonies involve stripping the “warriors” of their clothes and bathing them in an infusion of various herbs reputed to have mystical powers. Recruits also The story of André, killed at the age of 12. receive protective talismans, such as bracelets or pieces of clothing, intended to shield them from bullets and Considered by older gang members as one of the meant to be worn during confrontations. boldest newly recruited children, André was Lo ne quickly sent to participate in clashes with the EPA 1ypes of exploitation in criminal acts police. During one of these confrontations, he After their integration into gangs, children are gradually managed to slip inside a police armoured vehicle assigned to different roles based on their age, gender, and throw a Molotov cocktail, an act that caused perceived loyalty and commitment, as well as the gang's him serious injuries and nearly cost him his life. needs at a given time. Some eventually occupy “central” Back in the gang's stronghold, André demanded roles, becoming deeply integrated into the gang's from his leaders a more powerful firearm in structure and entrusted with increasingly dangerous exchange for the 9mm pistol he was already criminal activities. carrying. His request was granted, but shortly afterward, he accidentally shot himself in the foot. They may be tasked with patrolling certain The gang leader judging him unfit to handle a neighbourhoods, collecting payments from extorted heavier weapon, then confiscated it. businesses, identifying potential victims of theft or kidnapping, or being stationed at illegal checkpoints set Frustrated and humiliated, André left the gang to up by gangs along major roadways. join a rival group, where he was used for various criminal purposes. His new leader allowed him to At more advanced levels of involvement, children are settle in one of the abandoned houses located in often tasked with transporting ammunition and retrieving the gang-controlled area, where he stood guard for the bodies or firearms of other gang members killed the group. During a confrontation between the during armed clashes with rival gangs or law police and the gang at the end of May 2025, André enforcement. was on the roof of this house when a bullet struck They sometimes actively participate in armed violence, ip Go te med, Vent, Grauiny Win to (he carrying firearms and fighting on the “front lines.” gro Witnesses have also observed children taking part in The next day, another gang member discovered his clashes with the police, including attacks on police lifeless body. Before reporting the incident to the stations and the ransacking of buildings®. According to gang, he set the body on fire erasing what local sources, the children often carry firearms “as big as remained of André's short and violent life. themselves.” Boys who return “safe and sound” from these confrontations are, depending on circumstances Source: Service provider and the gang's needs, “promoted” within the gang [44] See, among others, Horelick, L. A. (2010), “The Occurrence and Detection of Gunpowder in Haitian Vodou Charms: The Pakèt Kongo”, doctoral thesis, University of California, Los Angeles; and Chelsey L. Kivland (2020), “Street Sovereigns: Young Men and the Makeshift State in Urban Haïti”, Ithaca, New York, Cornell University Press. [45] Interviews conducted by the HRS with local sources in June 2023 and February 2025. [page 21] EÆM Giris exploited by gangs: from recruitment to sexual exploitation and sexual slavery Girls recruited or housed by gangs are generally assigned roles reflecting traditional gender stereotypes. However, Julia, a survivor of sexual violence according to local sources, girls are increasingly exploited by gangs in criminal activities typically assigned to boys, | . such as ransacking homes and other buildings. My name is Julia. In 2024, when | was 15 years old, ! was forcibly subjected to sexual exploitation by Recruitment for multiple tasks members of two allied gangs; they forced me to have . : : sexual relationships with several of them on at least six Testimonies collected by service providers from current or occasions. These gangs control the area where | lived former child gang members have revealed hat girls and created an atmosphere of fear frequentily recruited by gangs are often assigned domestic tasks, committing abuses and threatening violence if their such as cooking and cleaning. demands were not met. | became pregnant. However, with the evolution of gang violence over the . \ . years, as well as the need for belonging or self-protection l was also exploited by the gangs to gather information among some children, some girls — and more broadly that they used for their criminal activities. In late 2024, 1 women in their early twenties — have begun to take on was intercepted by a self-defence group. At first, | was more “active” roles within gangs. This includes afraid, as | had heard stories of residents, including participating in clashes alongside men, as documented by children, being shot or killed Wii machetes by self: the HRS regarding the 400 Mawozo and Team Asansè defence groups or angry mobs simply for suspected gangs. These girls and women carry firearms and have collaboration with gangs. However, on this occasion, been trained in their use. they responded differently. They contacted à community organization, which took care of me and Sexual exploitation helped me access medical care and other support. Investigative work by the HRS has documented cases in Source: Service provider which girls as young as 12 were housed by gangs for the purposes of sexual exploitation and sexual slavery. In The HRS has also documented cases of girls who were areas controlled by these gangs, the girls were often forced ; | k “ on exploited by gangs for months or even years and were or subjected to social pressure to become “konkibins” or : ; ou » : ur. M « nu ultimately killed by their “partners” following acts of Ti menaj” — sexual “partners” — of gang members. Many ; : : : " Le . ü hu jealousy or for allegedly showing disrespect to their families believe it is preferable for a girl to be “attached” to “ on ne . ne f authority" The families of these young girls were also a gang member, who will “protect” her from rape by . . . . NS. exposed to the risk of reprisals. multiple gang members and provide her with in-kind benefits (food, drinking water, and other material goods). Sexual exploitation by gang members also results in stigmatization from family and community, a particularl These practices, which are often not recognized by the 9 . y yep y Le k " | 46 heavy burden for girls who become pregnant and are victims and their families as a form of sexual violence“, . . subsequently abandoned and without resources. reflect deeply rooted power imbalances and gender inequalities. They expose women and girls to a significantly higher risk of gender-based violence, including sexual violence. [46] For more information on the use of sexual violence by gangs, see BINUH and OHCHR (October 2022), “Sexual violence in Port-au-Prince: À Weapon used by gangs to spread fear”, available at https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-10/20221014-Report-on-Sexual- Violence-haiti-en.pdf [page 22] : ça - | " Le R à +3 4 1 # PART II di + INTEGRATED RESPONSES TO CHILD TRAFFICKING BY GANGS V._ Social and economic responses VI. Law enforcement operations and justice measures vu, u D. UNITED NATIONS N nt. à F 2 { NN HUMAN RIGHTS PNR RS FFIGEOF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER … cn ".n | DRE ” TASSE 3 « a. [page 23] INTEGRATED RESPONSES TO CHILD TRAFFICKING BY GANGS Under international law, States have an obligation to exercise due diligence to prevent human trafficking, investigate incidents, and prosecute perpetrators, as well as to ensure assistance and protection for trafficking victims“’. These obligations apply regardless of whether the alleged perpetrators are state or non-state actors. In Haïti, structural factors — such as poverty, weak institutions, and social exclusion — and contextual circumstances — particularly armed violence — have contributed to creating an environment that increasingly exposes children to the risk of being trafficked by gangs. While most initiatives focus primarily on responding to harm already experienced by children associated with gangs, preventing child trafficking before it occurs must be a priority. To this end, a comprehensive and integrated approach is essential, combining prevention initiatives aimed at addressing the deep-rooted economic, social, and educational causes of trafficking, with law enforcement actions and human rights-based judicial measures designed to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure effective remedies for victims. V. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RESPONSES Improving the socio-economic conditions of families — through strengthened social protection, access to quality education, and the promotion of decent employment, alongside vocational training and job placement programs — plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes and mitigating the socio-economic factors of trafficking. It also provides children and adolescents with a safer environment, thereby reducing their vulnerability to trafficking. EE Social protection programs for families Families play a key role in protecting children from of these programs do not address the specific needs of exploitation by gangs. While some families may encourage marginalized families whose children are at risk of their children to join gangs“, many others serve as the first trafficking by gangs, leaving them largely unprotected. line of protection, often at considerable personal risk. In . . : : some cases, mothers have even confronted gang leaders in For example, the 2020 National Policy for Social Protection an effort to reclaim their children. However, such actions and Promotion (NPSPP) and its action plan”, overseen by can result in violent reprisals from the gangs. the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL), do not appear to have anticipated the rapid deterioration of the These dynamics highlight the urgent need to implement social and security situation linked to gang violence in the effective social protection programs that provide adequate capital. As a result, one of the main state-run social support to families, particularly female-headed households, assistance programs, Klere Chimen””, is implemented only in in order to reduce the economic precariousness that places the Grand'Anse and South departments®. According to their children in situations where they become easy targets experts from national institutions working on these for gangs. programs, scaling them up, strengthening institutional . : . : capacity, adapting them to urban contexts, and expanding Although social protection programs exist n Haiti, some their geographical coverage could significantly reduce studies indicate that they cover only about six percent of : ; Li . . children's exposure to trafficking by gangs. the population and rely heavily on donor-funded initiatives“. In addition, according to the HRS, the majority [47] See the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), “Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking” (E/2002/68/Add.1), Principle 2. [48] For more details, see Section Ill - Tactics used by gangs in child trafficking - 3.1 - Use of threats and violence against children and their families, pages 15 and 16. [49] Chazaly, C. and Aucoin Delloue, C. (2025), “How social protection can better meet the needs of the most vulnerable in Haïti: the case of internally displaced persons”, Social Protection Technical Assistance, Advice and Resources (STAAR) Facility, DAI Global UK Ltd, United Kingdom [50] Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) (April 2020), “National Policy for Social Protection and Promotion”, page 49. [51] Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) (October 2023), “Action Plan of the National Policy for Social Protection and Promotion (APNPSPP), 2023-2025/2026". [52] With the support of the World Food Programme (WFP) and funding from the World Bank (WB), the program assists more than 22,000 vulnerable households, prioritizing families with young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as persons with disabilities. [page 24] Similarly, other national social assistance programs, Another major challenge lies in the absence of financial such as the one implemented by the Economic and service providers in gang-controlled areas, while a Social Assistance Fund (ESAF)*, with external funding significant portion of social assistance is delivered provided by international partners like the Inter- through mobile phone money transfers. Recipients face American Development Bank (IDB), provide in-kind aid serious difficulties in using the funds they receive, as and cash transfers via mobile phone applications to goods and services in these areas are generally paid for in particularly vulnerable groups — including female- cash. Without banks to facilitate withdrawals and with only headed single-parent households, families with a few small local shops offering cash-out services at high malnourished children, persons with disabilities, and transaction fees, converting digital transfers into usable displaced households, including those in gang- cash becomes both costly and complex. Furthermore, controlled areas. according to a state service provider interviewed by the . . . HRS, gangs in these neighbourhoods control almost all According to ministry SOUrces, one of the main aspects of residents’ lives and are often aware of the obstacles to implementing Such social protection identity of aid recipients, including when assistance is programs mn marginalized neighbourhoods of Portau- provided electronically. As a result, recipients are Prince lies in the dysfunction of Haïti social registry _ frequently forced to hand over a portion of the aid they the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Information receive to the gangs. System (MSALIS). Established in 2018, this tool was designed to identify and register the most Social protection programs are essential both to meet the disadvantaged segments of the population, analyze immediate needs of these families and to strengthen their socio-economic trends, and administer social benefits. medium-term resilience. They therefore play a crucial role However, it lacks the flexibility and adaptability needed in reducing the risk of child trafficking. Urgent measures to collect data on vulnerability in the metropolitan area are needed, however, to remove obstacles that hinder their of Port-au-Prince. In particular, the strategies used so implementation, particularly targeting errors and far to gather data to identify individuals and families in difficulties related to cash transfer withdrawal services, in need rely primarily on door-to-door surveys, which are order to adequately support families in preventing their impractical in dgang-controlled areas. Alternative children from becoming victims of gang trafficking, while solutions have been identified, including cross- also providing families whose children are already involved referencing data with ESAF and community service in gangs with alternative means of accessing resources providers who have access to these areas, as well as and viable pathways to disengage from gang-related setting up registration kiosks in safe spaces such as activities. town halls or religious centers. These solutions, however, have not yet been tested. pe CM te %: 712 2 3 ut TA se c LL Naf. Vis VIS à “7 1. NyUNITEDNATIONS ai ; (y RIGHTS » ca] VE » OFFICE OFITHÉ HIGHGOMMISSIONER s di REF = md ap A SA ï "We are kids, we are not adults. We can't be responsible for a family” __. Psychosocial activity for childrenliving in at-risk areas, delivered by a A F >. service provider in Port-au-Prince, 2025 se $ / 1 / L [53] The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (ESAF) is under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. [page 25] EF Access to financial services primarily high-income clients. They do not implement Social protection programs are primarily designed to Comprehensive microfinance programs with the same level of provide immediate assistance and meet essential needs, &hecjalization and adaptation to beneficiary needs as those and are generally consumption-focused. However, developed by private microfinance institutions, which are improving access to financial services — whether through Cenerally managed by local or international non-governmental private or community initiatives, or with government organizations%. support — is essential for achieving medium- and long- term effects, particularly when accompanied by training These non-governmental organizations, operating in and mentoring programs. marginalized or rural areas, do not limit themselves to providing microcredit: they also support beneficiary families In this regard, state intervention remains very limited. For {5 ensure the effective use of these loans for launching small example, public banks, such as the National Credit businesses, notably through training in financial management Bank (NCB), have only engaged in small-scale, an entrepreneurship. This approach has proven effective in occasional microcredit activities and tend to target strengthening household economic empowerment, especially RES when accompanied by regular follow-up. For example, several à 5, ee 4 microfinance programs® or community financial services, TRACE à such as the “Village Savings and Loans Associations” ne. es implemented by the non-governmental organization Fokoze‘, Pr: En EC operate with some success in rural areas of Haïti. x + | < While these initiatives could help reduce the incentives for "TE & ‘ r children to join gangs to meet their families’ financial needs, SD ba - k they reach only a limited number of beneficiaries, most of 4 DR LE whom live in rural areas, and remain heavily dependent on (Ve 4 î unstable donor funding. # à >< It would therefore be appropriate to adapt these programs to à — -| 4 4 RE = the urban context, with a view to strengthening the à N ee | à RARE empowerment of disadvantaged families in these areas and ÉLRSS SES enhancing their financial autonomy. In other contexts, LEE Ce A < beneficiaries have not only been able to create income- ESS, È generating activities to cover their families’ essential needs, st HET do but also to send their children to school”, particularly in RE Lt se Haiti female-headed households. Available data also show that the CRE AE pe É SL HRS i ti ter wh joritized t i d be po] ST HRS. impact is greater when women are prioritized to receive an DR 0 D à SUR SRE D MN NT A PECI manage these loans”. [54] World Bank (WB) (2019), “Financial Capability and Inclusion in Haiti - Results of a Demand-side Survey”, available at https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/607661578039258981/pdf/Financial-Capability-and-Inclusion-in-Haïti-Result-of-a-Demand- Side-Survey.pdf [55] For example, “Haiti's Microfinance Education and MPM Loan Program”, focused on women, entrepreneurship, and education in the South department, and “Hope for Haïitians - Women's Microloan Program”, which operates primarily in rural villages in the North and North-East departments of Haïti, providing training in business management, financial literacy, and mentorship support. [56] Fonkoze (2023). « Rapport annuel », available at https://fonkoze.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Fonkoze-Family-Annual- Report_2023.pdf. See also: Opportunity International Canada (2024), “Haiti: Pathways to a Better Life Program - Progress Report, Spring 2024", available at https://opportunityinternational.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Haiti-Pathways-to-a-Better-Life-Program-Progress- Report-Spring-2024.pdf [57] See, for example, Khandker, S. R. and Samad, H. A. (2014), “Microcredit impact on children's education and women empowerment: A review of the Grameen Bank microfinance schemes in Bangladesh”, available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286943885_Microcredit_Impact_on_Children's_Education_and_Women_Empowerment_A_Revie w_Experience_of_Grameen_Bank_Microfinance_Schemes_in_Bangladesh ; and Norwood, C. (2014), “Women's empowerment and microcredit: A case study from rural Ghana”, Journal of International Studies & Development, 4(1), 1-2, available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4513662/ [58] « Haitis Microfinance Education and MPM Loan Program, focused on women, entrepreneurship, and education in the South department, and Hope for Haïitians - Women's Microloan Program, which operates primarily in rural villages in the North and North-East departments of Haïti, providing training in business management, financial literacy, and mentorship support. [page 26] EKMschools as protective spaces In these schools, some children have their school fees covered by gang members in exchange for their involvement in Schools are not only places of learning but also spaces of criminal activities. For example, these children — especially protection, providing children with a safeguard against boys — attend school in the morning and spend their trafficking and exploitation by gangs. Several service afternoons or evenings performing tasks for the gangs, such providers have indicated that many children attribute their as managing illegal checkpoints. In many cases, this involvement in gangs to their family's poverty, as well as involvement leads to school dropout, particularly to the difficulties they face “in getting to or staying in school” accommodate "gang-related responsibilities”. —rather than to an individual choice. Although Haïti has an obligation to respect, protect, and EM ritiatives to keep children at schoo! fulfill the right to education by ensuring îts availability, Despite the unstable environment prevailing in areas accessibility, acceptability, and adaptability for all children controlled by gangs, public authorities, with the support of Without discrimination”, the Haitian public school system local and international organization, have sought to maintain has suffered for many years from chronic underfunding programs aimed at encouraging children to attend school and and a lack of resources. It is characterized by inadequate stay off the streets. These initiatives include food distribution, and limited infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, organizing awareness sessions in schools on the risks of and a lack of appropriate teaching materials. In this gang involvement, providing mental health and psychosocial context, private schools account for approximately 80 support, setting up temporary learning spaces, and enrolling percent of primary schools, forcing families to spend an displaced children in new schools. average of USD 140 per child per year’. For many Haitian households living in povertyf!, this expense is simply outof During the 2024-2025 school year, the school feeding reach. program implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) provided meals to more than 20,000 children* in certain areas In addition to these structural difficulties, there is the controlled by gangs, where humanitarian interventions are impact of gang violence: according to the latest available more complex and less reliable in terms of logistics and assessment, as of April 2025, this violence has led to the security. These interventions were carried out using nutritious closure of 1,606 schools, mainly located in the West food products specifically designed to withstand the transport department”. and storage challenges typical of contexts affected by armed The HRS investigation shows that in areas where they seek violence. Between February and June 2025, the WFP also to expand their control, gangs directly target school distributed daily hot meals in at least 20 makeshift schools, infrastructure. In contrast, in areas they already control, set up on sites for internally displaced persons in downtown such as Cité Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Martissant, Port-au-Prince, where children are also exposed to the risk of they have adopted a different approach. In these zones, trafficking. they exert control over the operation of schools by allowing Nonetheless, these interventions are not immune to gang them to open only in exchange for the payment of "taxes," interference. For example, in Martissant, where no activity can in the same way they do with other service providers and operate or be implemented without the approval of gangs, the businesses under their influence. According to local HRS was informed that the gang leader personally decided sources, schools often cover these payments by diverting which schools were allowed to run a feeding program, in part of the assistance provided by humanitarian exchange for a portion of the delivered food. As a result, the organizations. In some cases, gangs even determine which WFP temporarily suspended its program in this area between schools are allowed to receive this assistance. February and July 2025. [59] E/C.12/1999/10, 8 December 1999. See further information on the international legal framework in Annex II. [60] World Bank (November 2023), "School attendance and interest in learning are priorities for many young Haitians," available at https://www.banquemondiale.org/fr/news/feature/2023/11/15/school-attendance-and-a-keen-interest-in-learning-are-priorities-for-many- young-haitians [61] The average income of low-income or poor households in Haïti is less than 2.15 U.S. dollars per day, a threshold corresponding to extreme poverty according to the World Bank. World Bank Group (April 2023). "Poverty and Equity Brief. Latin America and the Caribbean - Haïti," available at https://databankfiles.worldbank.org/public/ddpext_download/poverty/987B9C90-CB9F-4D93-AE8C- 750588BF00QA/current/Global_POVEQ_HTI.pdf [62] UNICEF (31 July 2025), "Haiti Humanitarian Situation Report No. 6," available at https://www.unicef.org/documents/haiti-humanitarian- situation-report-no-6-mid-year-2025 [63] In certain areas of Carrefour, Kenscoff, and Port-au-Prince where the security situation allowed service providers to operate under relatively normal conditions, the World Food Programme (WFP) also supported school feeding programs, benefiting more than 7,000 students. [page 27] International partners also play a key role in rehabilitating EDUPOL schools that have been ransacked or damaged by violence, most of which are located in areas under gang control. For In April 2025, EDUPOL launched a pilot project hosting example, UNICEF, through a local implementing partner, up to 50 at-risk children daily in a state-owned building has supported the reconstruction or rehabilitation of ten located in the commune of Tabarre. These children, schools in the communes of Delmas, Pétion-Ville, Port-au- many of whom live in poverty or in the streets, are Prince, and Tabarre. Three of these schools are located in considered particularly vulnerable to gang recruitment. Port-au-Prince neighborhoods controlled by gangs. In The project aims to occupy their time positively and addition, UNICEF distributes school kits and supports cash keep them away from gang influence. transfer programs to facilitate the return to school of , __. , : children affected by gang-related violence**. Throug L partnerships un Qu Society organizations, the children participate daily in craft workshops and As long as the socio-economic conditions of families music classes. The project also includes educational remain unchanged, these programs must be maintained to outings aimed at exposing participants to successful prevent children from turning to gangs as a means of community role models, offering positive alternatives to livelihood and survival. gang culture. Civic education initiatives Although notable behavioral improvements have been In addition to formal education, schools can also help creneul among p ENCRES, ne HE ETES : : : : Li several major financial and logistical challenges. create a protective environment by implementing civic education initiatives aimed at reducing the risks of gang : recruitment. Initiatives put in place by state and private Peace and Integrity Clubs actors include raising awareness about the dangers of Schools also serve as spaces to promote positive change by gang recruitment, strengthening the capacities of children, strengthening social cohesion, encouraging critical thinking, families, and communities through education on human and fostering a culture of peace. In this regard, during the rights and peaceful conflict resolution, and providing 2024-2025 school year, the HRS supported an initiative that psychosocial support to help them cope with the stress of produced positive results among participating students by living in violence-affected environments. reinforcing human rights education and empowering youth as agents of change within their communities. Implemented The Community Education Police (EDUPOL)* by local partners, this initiative led to the creation of 18 Created in 2015, the Community Educational Police Peace and Integrity Clubs in schools nationwide, including (EDUPOL) is a specialized police unit primarily responsible two in disadvantaged neighborhoods of the capital. These for preventing and combating juvenile delinquency in and clubs engaged more than 500 young people around key around schools. In this capacity, it plays a complementary themes such as civic values, human rights, peaceful conflict role in preventing gang recruitment and supporting the resolution, protection, and environmental education. disengagement of children associated with gangs. ee. =— t As of December 2025, 50 EDUPOL* officers were deployed - Æ in approximately 100 schools in the capital, notably in the : E x | communes of Delmas, Pétion-Ville, and Tabarre, reaching È | { around 58,000 students. This level of deployment remains LS = AL largely insufficient to provide adequate coverage of all r— : , schools in the metropolitan area, especially since schools RS - - located in gang-controlled areas remain inaccessible to DRE . EDUPOL. LE | Despite funding cuts, United Nations agencies have PA L nevertheless continued to provide financial support to the mm) + EDUPOL program. < à : OHCHR's Peace and Integrity. Club, PétionWVille, 2025 “ \ x [64] More than 5,000 vulnerable families each received 10,000 gourdes (approximately 75 U.S. dollars) to support the return of their children to school for the 2025 school year. [page 28] EX Child-friendly spaces outside the school These organizations must also avoid any direct confrontation setting with gangs and ensure they are not perceived as a threat, requiring considerable effort and posing significant risks to Given the challenges related to gang violence, which disrupt +heir staff — especially in neighborhoods where gangs operate the functioning of schools and prevent many families from {hrough so-called "foundations;" often linked to political actors, sending their children, child-friendiy spaces outside the formal hich are used as means of controlling community lifes. school setting become a priority to help reduce gang recruitment. However, these initiatives, often led by community Overall, these programs remain fragile and at risk of and faith-based organizations, remain extremely limited in disappearing. While international partners generally provide number and insufficiently resourcedS. direct funding for such projects, their cooperation policies and action plans — most often defined for fixed periods — offer Programs implemented by civil society and faith- limited flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing context as based organizations well as to the evolving threats and impacts of gang violence. Although these spaces do not replace school, they provide EMA Programs implemented by the State services that meet children's needs, including emergency assistance with food, medical care, and other material AS part of the governments efforts to create spaces for support, as well as safe places where children can spend the marginalized children, an ad hoc presidential commission, day and receive social support. Activities offered include called the "Commission to Support the Establishment of the psychosocial support, sports, mobile libraries, educational National Network of Reception and Reeducation Centers," was play programs, and skills development workshops*. created by decree in February 2025 (it was established at the end of June 2025). With a six-month mandate, this commission These programs create safe environments in which children, Las tasked, among other things, with developing and proposing and sometimes their parents, receive emotional support and à national policy and action plan to establish, administer, and participate in activities based on responsibility and social manage à national network of centers for the care and engagement, thereby helping to reduce their exposure to the Pictection of vulnerable children and adolescents, including risks they face in gang-controlled neighborhoods. They also {hose at risk of gang recruitment or in conflict with the law. As help identify situations of heightened vulnerability to sexual &fihe completion of this report (January 2026), the HRS had not exploitation, particularly among girls. been informed of the publication of the commission's report. Mobile libraries Furthermore, also in February 2025, the government, with the support of UNICEF, launched the PREJEUNES program, one of With the support of the HRS, the organization Combite whose main objectives is to establish "Youth Centers” pour la paix et le développement (CPD), specialized in throughout the capital to help children and young people resist human rights advocacy and education, manages a network gang influence, as well as to facilitate the reintegration of those of mobile libraries serving six schools located in gang- who have been associated with gangs‘’. The program also controlled areas, or hosting children from those areas, as includes the establishment of "community peace zones" and well as six informal sites for internally displaced persons "community child protection committees" tasked with in Delmas and Pétion-Ville. This initiative allows children monitoring and reporting risks. At this stage, one of these deprived of schooling due to gang violence to have “Youth Centers" has already been established and is managed continuous access to culture and learning opportunities, by a national organization in the commune of Pétion-Ville, but it wherever they are and whenever they need it. is still too early to assess its impact. In 2025, the ESAF also developed a project financed by the Inter- Nevertheless, the organizations managing these spaces face American Development Bank (IDB), aimed at young people aged significant challenges, particularly given the backgrounds of 15 to 35 and entitled "Safe Space for Youth." This project, which the children involved. After sometimes prolonged involvement had not yet been implemented as of January 2026, involves with criminal groups, or due to difficulties previously reclaiming community spaces in downtown Port-au-Prince experienced at school or within their communities, some currently occupied by gangs. Once these areas are retaken by children may struggle to adapt to this type of approach. the police, safe socio-recreational environments will be created 165] Some of these initiatives include "Child-Friendly Spaces" and the safe spaces "Espas Mwen," implemented by UNICEF in partnership with local service providers. In 2025, of the 25 spaces resulting from these two initiatives, ten were located in gang-controlled areas. [66] For more details on these so-called “foundations”, see BINUH and OHCHR (10 February 2023), “The Population of Cité Soleil Under the Grip of Gang Violence”, available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/population-cite-soleil-grip-gang-violence-investigative-report- human [67] A second objective concerns the reintegration of minors in conflict with the law (see Section VI - 6.2 Children in Conflict with the Law: Implementation of Child Rights-Respectful Justice, pages 40 to 46). [page 29] for young people, thereby helping to reduce both the physical journey to school each morning. Others are forced to presence of gangs and their influence in these witness dead bodies, sometimes burning, along their route. neighborhoods. The initiative is currently awaiting official Children compelled to leave their homes and live in government approval. displacement due to gang violence experience particular trauma. They not only lose their housing but also face ES Mental health care services frequent family separations, school dropout, and precarious living conditions in improvised displacement sites, which Alongside community or public programs aimed at providing lack basic services and are often overcrowded. children and youth with protective, preventive, and reintegration spaces in response to gang influence, 5.6. Strengthening vocational training and addressing the psychological consequences of violence constitutes another essential pillar of the support provided Employment opportunities to combat social to these children. discrimination However, these counselling and psychological support Due to persistent economic difficulties that limit parents’ services are extremely scarce in Haïti, with most mental ability to provide for their families, many young people — health care provided by private-sector professionals, while including children under 18 — are forced to start earning public services are largely absent. Consequently, these income at an early age. In this context, it is essential to services are largely economically inaccessible to many implement vocational training programs that combine families, particularly those living in gang-controlled and theoretical learning with practical experience and address economically marginalized areas. the specific needs and realities of local economies. Such programs will enable children, once they reach the legal Only a very limited number of local actors provide free working age (16 and older in Haiti)”, to access decent work mental health services to children involved with gangs. While and income-generating opportunities, thereby helping to some operate directly in gang-controlled neighborhoods of ;educe the risks of recruitment and exploitation by gangs®’. the capital, at the risk of their personal safety, others have expressed to the HRS their concerns about traveling to and Among the priorities of the 2023-2026 Action Plan of the providing in-person services in these areas. National Policy for Social Protection and Promotion are the promotion of access to skills development and vocational These service providers also face significant challenges due training, as well as the establishment of social promotion to limited resources and have expressed a clear need for mechanisms aimed at combating poverty and additional specialized training in order to respond effectively underemployment, particularly among youth. However, the to the complex trauma experienced by these children. Action Plan specifies that its implementation has been Indeed, interviews conducted by the HRS with psychologists postponed to the period 2025-2030 and will focus more show that children who are victims of trafficking and gang specifically on the South-East department. exploitation suffer deep and lasting psychological and emotional harm. Many of them experience post-traumatic In fact, existing initiatives led by the government and its stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health international partners to strengthen socio-economic disorders resulting from these experiences. opportunities for children and youth tend to focus on rural areas, such as those implemented by the International Children not directly associated with gangs are also Labour Organization (ILO) in the Grand'Anse and Artibonite traumatized. According to psychologists working with them, departments. In contrast, comparable programs specifically many live in such fear of being kidnapped that they dread the targeting children and youth living in marginalized urban communities affected by gang violence appear to be non- existent. [68] For children under 16, all efforts must ensure respect for their right to education and comply with guidelines such as those of the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), available at https://www.ilo.org/fr/programme-international-pour-labolition-du-travail-des-enfants-ipec [69] To be fully effective, these programs should combine practical work experience with evening training. This dual approach addresses both immediate and long-term needs: daytime work allows young people to earn income and acquire skills that reduce short-term vulnerabilities, while evening education broadens their development prospects and future opportunities. See International Labour Organization (2010), "Children Leaving Armed Forces and Groups: Practical Guide for Economic Reintegration,' available at https://www.ilo.org/publications/children-formerly-associated-armed-forces-and-groups-%E2%80%9Chow-%E2%80%9D-guide-economic [page 30] This gap persists despite numerous recommendations In this context, and given the mixed results observed, from international human rights protection mechanisms, only small-scale initiatives have been implemented by including the Office of the United Nations High local service providers and non-governmental Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), calling for organizations, with the support of United Nations the establishment of protection programs specifically agencies and other international actors. These initiatives for children and youth, adequately resourced, to prevent — carried out as rapid-impact projects — have primarily gang recruitment and ensure sustainable income- focused on areas where children and youth face a severe generating opportunities”. lack of socio-economic opportunities and are at high risk of gang recruitment. Typical projects involve the According to several sources with expertise in this field rehabilitation of urban infrastructure, such as sidewalks, consulted by the HRS, previous apprenticeship and street lighting, or small bridges. These projects have employment programs targeting gang-controlled areas also provided income, practical training, and certificates have often failed to produce positive results. This that enhance participants’ employability. However, their Situation is partially explained by the fact that a overall impact in terms of transforming underlying significant number of private-sector actors regularly dynamics has remained very limited, given the refused to hire people from these neighborhoods due to magnitude of the economic and employment crisis in social stigma, perceiving them as potential “threats” to Haïti. their business. VI. LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS AND JUSTICE MEASURES Alongside economic and social responses, law enforcement operations and judicial measures are essential to weaken the growing influence of armed gangs and their capacity to recruit and exploit children. The security-focused response, which in recent years has concentrated the efforts of Haitian authorities and the international community, has relied on a combination of operations conducted by specialized units of the Haitian National Police (HNP) — sometimes marred by human rights violations, including against children — and efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition. The judicial response, on the other hand, has faced major institutional challenges, resulting in the inability to apply the principle of non-punishment to children exploited in criminal activities due to trafficking. EME Law enforcement operations aimed at weakening gang capabilities As of 31 December 2025, law enforcement operations, Beyond the limited impact of security operations on the supported by the Multinational Security Support (MSS) sustainable reduction of gang violence, other challenges mission, later renamed the Gang Suppression Force severely hinder efforts to protect and rehabilitate (GSF), have succeeded in slowing the territorial children who are victims of gang-related trafficking. In expansion of gangs but have failed to regain control of particular, specialized police units, on the front lines of areas under their influence or dismantle their criminal the fight against gangs, often lack awareness of national governance. This limited impact is explained in particular and international legal frameworks that recognize by insufficient operational capacity to maintain a children associated with gangs as victims entitled to sustained presence in these areas, as well as the more protection, and instead treat them as perpetrators of general absence of effective state presence and basic offenses. public services. As a result, gangs have retained their ability to engage in child trafficking, particularly through recruitment. [70] See, among others, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (25 March 2024), "Human Rights Situation in Haïti," A/HRC/55/76, paras. 50 and 51, available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5576- situation-human-rights-haïti-report-united-nations-high , and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (26 September 2024), "interim Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights," A/HRC/57/41, para. 45, available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5741-situation-human-rights-haiti-interim-report-united-nations-high [page 31] Law enforcements conduct toward children violations committed by police personnel are effectively trafficked by gangs during security operations investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice. Despite the existence of a Protocol between the Government and the United Nations’”!, which stipulates that all children Violence perpetrated by self-defence groups arrested during police operations on suspicion of gang against children association must be handed over to the Juvenile Protection On the morning of 27 September 2024, Jean, aged 10, Brigade (JPB) se the Institute di so else ane Researe was crossing a square in the Santo neighborhood of (ISWR), some 0 Icers In Specla 1ze po 1ce units do not always Gressier. He was carrying only a backpack with a few appear to consider these children as victims. clothes. Members of the Caravane self-defense group During human rights awareness sessions conducted with the intercepted and interrogated him. They accused him of Haitian National Police (HNP), the HRS observed that a number acting as a lookout for a local cell of the Grand Ravine of officers deployed in these units perceive themselves as gang, known as the “108 Zombies.” After being tortured, engaged in an "armed conflict” and consider children involved Jean was shot in the same square, in front of passersby. in gangs as "combatants" who can be targeted at any time and His body was then burned on a vacant lot opposite the in any place”. Although some have already received training in MARCO commercial complex, along National Road No. 2, child protection, they indicated feeling compelled to use lethal in the La Colline neighborhood. : ina Le 73 force in order to avoid being killed themselves”*. Source: HRS This perception that children associated with gangs are . . : Lines : At the same time, the deployment of the Gang Suppression considered offenders rather than victims is also widespread . k Hp: : mn : : Force (GSF), established in September 2025 to replace the Within certain segments of the Haitian society, particularly CS . . . : “ n74 : Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for conducting among those supporting "self-defense groups”. In this . k | en : anti-gang operations, should also ensure that children's rights regard, according to the HRS, between January 2022 and full tected_und U ci t This invol December 2025, at least 36 children (25 boys and 11 girls), are Tuny Pro ecte un er a circums ances. à Invo ves safeguarding children's rights both during the planning and some as young as 10, were executed by members of . . ? " k LL : . : conduct of operations, in accordance with United Nations specialized police units or killed by self-defense groups and . . k . k . ; La : Security Council Resolution 2793, including identifying mobs after being accused of gang association or gathering | . Cr. . : ; : Le children who are victims of trafficking and ensuring their information for gangs. In some cases, these suspicions were | | . . : : referral to child protection services. based solely on their refusal to cooperate during police searches. NT «D CA Measures to combat the illicit trafficking of In this context, the hierarchy of the Police should ensure the firearms and ammunition implementation and strict adherence to the Protocol by all According to the HRS, gangs’ access to and possession of police units. It is also essential to strengthen the operational firearms and ammunition reinforce their power within capacity of the General Inspectorate of the Haitian National communities and contribute to a false sense of “social status Police (GIHNP) to ensure that any alleged human rights and protection” among marginalized and socially excluded children and youth who join them”. [71] For more details on the "Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory," see Section 6.2.1 of this report, pages 32 to 34. [72] Since the situation in Haiti does not constitute an armed conflict, security operations are governed by international human rights law. Any use of force by law enforcement, as well as by private military and security companies, must comply with the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, non-discrimination, precaution, and accountability, strictly limiting the use of lethal force to situations where it is absolutely necessary to protect life. [73] Under international human rights law, the applicable legal framework in Haïti, the intentional use of lethal force is only permitted as a last resort, and solely against a person who poses an imminent threat to life. [74] In 2025, the Human Rights Service supported the Haitian human rights organization Centre d'Analyse et de Recherche en Droits Humains (CARDH) in organizing four roundtables bringing together security forces and civil society. These discussions focused on human rights issues raised during anti-gang operations, shared concerns of both parties, and ways to strengthen cooperation and mutual trust. For more information, see CARDH (September 2025), "Proceedings of the Meetings and Conferences of the Sectoral Security Table (TSS)," available at https://cardh.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CARDH_Actes-des-Conferences_Reunions_de-la-Table-Sectorielle-sur-la-Securite-TSS_02- Sept.-2025.-Up-23_page-0001-2.pdf [75] See Section III of this report - 3.3. Perceived social status and protection through affiliation with gangs, page 17, as well as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (26 September 2024), (A/HRC/57/41), ‘Interim Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights," available at https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5741-situation-human-rights-haiti-interim-report- united-nations-high [page 32] However, despite the efforts of national authorities, be primarily regarded as victims and not as perpetrators of supported by the international community, to reduce the offenses. illicit trafficking of firearms and ammunition in Haiti”, These i d f detenti d traffickers have continued to exploit ineffective and ese instruments advocate for non etention an non : punishment measures, accompanied by psychosocial inadequate border control systems as well as a d'oth " furth dysfunctional judicial apparatus to facilitate this trade. The Support and other protective measures, to prevent urt er sctrnts : ; harm and ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into General Administration of Customs and police units et. Eurth h hild b deployed at the borders continue to face underfunding, Society - Furthermore, these chi ren must not e limi : : : penalized for unlawful acts committed as a direct imited technological equipment, poor inter-agency f thei fficki | d thei coordination, and corruption. Likewise, judicial procedures consequence of their trafficking EXperlence, and their LL : detention should only be used exceptionally, as a last related to arms trafficking progress very slowly, allowing for the sh ii iod_ and in their b key figures involved in these trafficking networks to enjoy resort, ot e shortest possible period, and in their best . TT interests®". impunity”. Haïti's efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of firearms Nasrieless x investigation conuatee ” the ee and ammunition should continue, particularly through the h icates ï at a nes n € N Ce | le | strengthening of technical capacities and the fight against que ü We h nowlecge 0 À € app " ë sd corruption within the relevant institutions. The international instruments n € ae ne je an . jus community should also intensify its actions to ensure the RAS Fe na € PE off © je meuf ment. L effective enforcement of the arms embargo imposed on Mer # di ù ea sence 0 “ es re anisms Ne Haiti by the United Nations”. i entity tra ic ing victims and refer them to the appropriate entities. At the same time, national authorities should commit to implementing the 2021 National Strategy for Disarmament, Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care Demobilization, Reintegration, and Reduction of Community of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Violence. These efforts should be firmly grounded in Encountered during Security Operations on National international human rights law to ensure their sustainability Territory and exclude any amnesty for perpetrators of serious human n . . . : La : To support the Haiïtian state in fulfilling its human rights rights violations. They should also be accompanied by DT . k . n . . . . . . obligations, the United Nations system in Haiti assisted comprehensive socio-economic interventions aimed at . . u : . : . 79 the government in drafting a “Protocol on the Transfer, sustainably reducing domestic demand for firearms”. k . . ° Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed : : : : Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National GAME Children in conflict with the law: gs cpeoun 9 JUPE , : . . Territory” (hereinafter referred to as the “Protocol”). Implementation of child rights-respectful justice Signed on 27 October 2023 by the Government of Haïti and : : n . the United Nations, the Protocol recognizes that children International legal instruments and Haitian legislation associated with gangs must be considered as victims and emphasize that children who are victims of trafficking must not as perpetrators of offenses. [76] Two specialized units of the Haitian National Police actively contribute to combating arms trafficking within their respective mandates: the Bureau for Combating Drug Trafficking (BCDT) and the Border Police (POLIFRONT), responsible for securing the borders. In addition, the Haitian Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit (TCIU), dedicated to investigating transnational crimes, was established in February 2024, although it is still in an early stage of development. [77] Two major cases related to arms and ammunition trafficking illustrate this situation: the "Miss Lily" case in Port-de-Paix, which involves prominent local political figures, and the arms trafficking case involving the Episcopal Church of Haiti. Both cases, dating back to 2022, are still under investigation. Judicial proceedings are ongoing, and neither case has been closed to date. [78] Under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the UN Security Council has imposed various sanctions measures, including a travel ban, asset freezes, and an arms embargo, through Resolution 2653 (2022), which came into effect in 2022 and was renewed by Resolutions 2700 (2023), 2752 (2024), and 2794 (2025). [79] Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (5 May 2023), "Impacts of the Acquisition, Possession, and Use of Firearms by Civilians," A/HRC/53/49, available at https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/53/49 [80] See the legal framework in Annex II [81] Article 37(b) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) [page 33] lt establishes clear procedures to address the specific needs any other children coming into contact with these forces. It of children under 18 in conflict with the law, applicable to also specifies the roles of key state institutions, including cases of gang association, emphasizing a victim-centered the Juvenile Protection Brigade (JPB), the Public approach that prioritizes protection, rehabilitation, and Prosecutor's Office, and the Institute of Social Welfare and reintegration®. The Protocol applies primarily to children Research (ISWR), to ensure the protection, care, and apprehended or rescued during security operations appropriate treatment of children associated with gangs. conducted by the Haitian National Police (HNP), as well as to ©) . Referral pathway according to the Protocol © According to the Protocol, children associated with gangs, apprehended or otherwise coming into contact with the police, must be referred through a specific pathway that takes into account their age and the offenses they are accused of. When the police arrest a minor covered by the Protocol, the JPB must be immediately notified. The JPB promptly takes custody of the child and conducts the preliminary investigation, as the only police unit authorized to do so. Within 72 hours of the arrest, the JPB will notify the ISWR and the Public Prosecutor's Office of the case. Judicial path Non judicial path When a child over 13 is suspected of a serious crime, the JPB must For children under the age of notify the Public Prosecutor and criminal responsibility, 13 years, ISWR to arrange transfer to an or not suspected of serious appropriate center. Detention violent crimes, the Public should be a last resort, brief, and Prosecutor's Office must be replaced where possible by notified and they must be community-based alternatives. transferred to ISWR centres for ISWR is responsible for ensuring the temporary care and family child receives care, support and reintegration support. legal assistance. [82] In its Article 2, the Protocol, recognizing Haitian national law as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, defines children as any person under the age of 18. In accordance with its scope, the term "children associated with armed gangs" encompasses all minors recruited or used by gangs, regardless of their role. This definition covers not only those who have directly participated in acts of armed violence and carried firearms, but also those performing support functions, such as messengers, lookouts, or spies, as well as girls exploited for sexual purposes. [83] The ISWR is a public agency responsible for social and child protection, notably by supporting vulnerable families. The JPB is a specialized unit of the Haitian National Police tasked with preventing violations of children's rights by combating juvenile delinquency, conducting police investigations in cases involving children, and investigating offenses committed against minors, such as sexual assault, abuse, and exploitation. [page 34] e 2 pl Challenges in the implementation of the Protocol +_ Institutional gaps the application of the Protocol, as well as by the absence of One of the main factors undermining the effectiveness of Viable altematives to detention. this instrument is the absence of the Task Force Transitional foster families versus residential care responsible for overseeing the implementation of the centres Protocol by the competent authorities®*. The Protocol prioritizes the care of these children in Sources within the JPB informed the HRS that another temporary foster families rather than in residential centers, obstacle lies in the limited knowledge of the provisions of which should be limited to short stays or reserved for the Protocol among police officers responsible for the particularly complex cases. initial arrest of children. According to these sources, police stations do not systematically notify the JPB when they However, there is currently no foster care program for detain children, as required by the Protocol. They often Children who are victims of trafficking for forced criminal conduct their own investigations and forward cases activity or gang association. For now, UNICEF mainly directly to the Public Prosecutors Office, thereby Supports the ISWR in implementing a foster care program for bypassing the JPB and limiting its ability to monitor cases vulnerable children. Moreover, this program is active only in and ensure the protection of children's rights throughout the South department, where approximately 90 vulnerable the procedure. children — not necessarily associated with gangs — are currently placed in certified foster families. Although 74 Furthermore, the effectiveness of the JPB is also limited families are certified in the metropolitan area of Port-au- due to internal shortcomings. The HRS was informed that, Prince, the program has been suspended due to insecurity as of December 2025, the JPB had only 16 officers inthe ang gang-related violence. metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, which is insufficient to carry out all investigations and follow-up measures in a Due to the social stigma associated with children linked to timely manner. gangs and the fear of retaliation from active gang members, very few families are willing to participate in a foster care The lack of adequate logistical resources, including a program. Consequently, the ISWR has opted to create database, also prevents the JPB from knowing the exact dedicated child protection centers in the metropolitan area of number of gang-related child cases reported to it, as these Port-au-Prince and in other regions of the country. As of cases are handled on an ad hoc basis as they arise. December 2025, two centers existed. One of them, supported Despite its institutional and logistical weaknesses, the JBP by UNICEF and the HRS, is located in Port-au-Prince and is generally notifies and timely transfers children to the ISWR, fully operational. lt can accommodate up to 40 children, which also faces similar challenges, including mainly for short stays of up to s0 days, during which they underfunding, a lack of personnel, and insufficient facilities have access to comprehensive and individualized to provide protection and temporary care services. psychosocial support, as well as long-term rehabilitation and reintegration services. The second center, located in Les Another major obstacle to the implementation of the Cayes (South department), consists of a large rural estate Protocol lies in the fact that the Public Prosecutor's Office with several buildings, including residential facilities for in Port-au-Prince frequently sends children involved in children, as well as medical, educational, and other support gang-related criminal activities — from minor offenses structures, and has the capacity to host several dozen such as theft to more serious crimes — to the children. The center is intended to receive children from Rehabilitation Center for Children in Conflict with the Law across the country, including Port-au-Prince; however, it is not (CERMICOL), contrary to the Convention on the Rights of yet operational, mainly due to financial and logistical the Child and the Protocol's emphasis on prioritizing non- constraints. detention measures. In complex cases requiring special attention, such as children This situation is partly explained by instability within the who have committed serious crimes as a direct consequence Public Prosecutor's Office, leading to inconsistencies in of their trafficking situation, the Task Force provided for in the [84] As provided in paragraph 38 of the Protocol, this Task Force is mandated to facilitate and promote the implementation of the provisions of the Protocol. It is composed of the ISWR, the JPB, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the juvenile judge, the Border Police (POLIFRONT), the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training. If necessary, this Task Force may also be expanded to include other stakeholders. [page 35] Protocol should identify a solution that prioritizes the best As a result, cases involving children in conflict with the law are interests of the child. Placement in a transit and orientation handled on an ad hoc basis by the Port-au-Prince court. center may be considered; however, in all cases, family, local, : . and community-based solutions should be preferred over Since January 2025, the HRS and the BINUH criminal section deprivation of liberty. As noted above, this Task Force had have been Supporting and mobilizing judicial actors and lawyers not yet been established as of January 2026. in Port-au-Prince to reconstruct destroyed files and adjudicate pending cases. In October 2025, 53 files (13 concerning girls on . , . and 40 concerning boys) were in the process of being ES eur gites court: ion dy. sure to reconstructed. Two months later, 16 of these children had been Imitea implementation of the non-punishment principle released following special juvenile hearings and were The current Haïitian Penal Code, dating from 1988, as well as subsequently placed in foster families. the new Penal Code provide that children under 13 years old involved in criminal acts are not criminally responsible Overcrowding at the Rehabilitation Center for and may only be subject to measures of protection, Children in Conflict with the Law : ei inn86 ner snson ant sanalon ° hi case a In Port-au-Prince, children in conflict with the law are detained cnicren age 01/7, tney may e prosecu ù | 9 SrImIna at the Rehabilitation Center for Children in Conflict with the Law acts and sentenced to detention, provided that, in the court's . Le us _. . (CERMICOL), which was originally created to rehabilitate and opinion, the application of other types of measures would . : : : : : . : dass 87 reintegrate juvenile delinquents into society. However, over the not contribute to their rehabilitation®”. . : M years, the center has transformed into a detention facility for However, in accordance with the principle of non- boys. punishment, the 2014 Haitian law on combating human Furthermore, following attacks by gangs on the women's prison trafficking provides that "any person who is a victim of ; . : : 7. . " in Cabaret (located in Croix-des-Bouquets) in 2023 and on the trafficking is not criminally responsible for [...] unlawful acts oo . . . . . : : sg omBB Th: men's prisons in the capital, located in Port-au-Prince and Croix- committed as a result of their status as a victim”””. This law . | | | des-Bouquets, in 2024, CERMICOL began to accommodate all also stipulates that all measures taken regarding children . . . . adult detainees from the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince. who are victims of trafficking must be based on the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and In December 2025, CERMICOL housed 111 children (95 boys and that their specific needs, including housing, education, and 16 girls) and 581 adults (445 men and 136 women), while its psychological support, must be appropriately addressed”. maximum capacity was 93 detainees. Men and boys are placed . . . Lo . in separate cells; however, women and girls are held together in In this context, and despite the explicit provision in national the same cells’’ legislation, Haïitian judicial authorities often appear to ° prioritize the principle of criminal responsibility of children Overall, despite the involvement of the ISWR and EDUPOL over the principle of non-punishment for trafficking victims. personnel, children detained at CERMICOL are deprived of They apparently make no distinction between children in access to quality education, vocational training, rehabilitation conflict with the law and those involved in criminal activities services, and opportunities for reintegration into society. The as a result of trafficking. They frequently initiate judicial only services available appear to come from donations or proceedings that should be reviewed by a specialized contributions by religious organizations, including books, children's court”. However, this court has not been clothing, and prayer sessions. Some classrooms have been functional since 2022, following an attack on its premises converted into cells to address overcrowding caused by the and the destruction of its records by gang members. arrival of adult detainees. Children interviewed by the HRS reported limited access to health care and poor living conditions at CERMICOL, including lack of potable water and nutritious food, and deteriorating educational services. [85] The new Penal Code was initially scheduled to enter into force in December 2025. However, in January 2026, the Government announced its postponement, without specifying a new date, citing the need to avoid legal gaps and to ensure adequate familiarization with its provisions by judicial actors. [86] Articles 7 and 111 of the new Penal Code [87] Article 112 of the new Penal Code [88] Article 8 of the 2014 Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons [89] Article 8 of the 2014 Law on Combating Trafficking in Persons [90] The law of 7 September 1961, which is part of the legal framework governing children in conflict with the law, established a Special Juvenile Court in Port-au-Prince tasked with adjudicating children who have committed serious crimes. The court was designed to include three specialized judicial positions: two investigating judges and one presiding judge. As of October 2025, only two of these positions were filled. [91] For details on the Human Rights Committee's observations regarding deplorable detention conditions in Haitian prisons, including at CERMICOL, see CCPR/C/HTI/CO/2, paragraph 28, available at https://docs.un.org/en/CCPR/C/HTI/CO/2 [page 36] The investigation conducted by the HRS revealed that most children at CERMICOL spend a large part of their adolescence in detention without being brought before a judge or having access to a lawyer. Since the Haitian Penal Code does not provide for a “ljoined a gang to avenge my father's death. He was killed by specific category for gang-related crimes — recognizing a rival gang while going to work. | quickly gained the trust of only the general offense of "criminal association"? — it is the older gang members. They became like my family. They not possible to determine with precision how many entrusted me with important ‘missions. | managed the children are detained for their participation in gang weapons and other logistical tasks, and ! had many men activities. under my ‘command. Then | became a ‘senior’ member of the gang with all the major privileges. My salary was several The lack of detailed data on these children's backgrounds, thousand gourdes (over 1,000 U.S. dollars) every Saturday. compounded by overcrowding and the cohabitation of That money allowed me to live in a way none of us children children and adults of both sexes, further complicates had ever dreamed of. efforts to design and implement targeted programs for children in conflict with the law, with the aim of supporting In 2022, | was arrested and sent to CERMICOL. I feel okay. their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. thank God for being locked up; 1 don't want to die in clashes with other gangs or with the police. ! felt trapped and scared, always targeted by other gangs. When 1 was in the gang, | constantly had strange visions. | saw my body in the mouth 1 of pigs and dogs tearing my body apart. But | would like to get out and have the chance to live a normal life, to have a | LL job. Even though I feel safer here than in the gang, life at | a CERMICOL is not a good life. One can be attacked at any . moment by another inmate with anything. No access to vil healthcare, no access to good food. Life is very hard. In the GA juvenile cells, they fight among themselves”. : Source: Interview conducted by the HRS SL GX Limited reintegration and rehabilitation programs - Reintegration and rehabilitation programs for children who are victims of trafficking are essential to break cycles of violence and help them build a future outside gang-related criminal networks. However, according to information collected by the | HRS, only a few of these programs exist, and their impact on the rehabilitation and reintegration of children released from CERMICOL remains very limited. One of these programs is managed by an international non- governmental organization, which provides rehabilitation and reintegration support during and after the detention of children and youth at CERMICOL. In addition to legal assistance, this program offers individualized psychosocial services tailored to the specific needs of each child. However, one of the main challenges in designing and implementing support adapted to the particular needs of children associated with gangs lies in the difficulty of identifying them, even though this identification is a state obligation®*. [92] According to the 1982 Haitian Penal Code, in force in December 2025, articles 224 to 227 define the crime of criminal association. Article 225 specifies that the offense exists solely by the organization of gangs, correspondence between their leaders, or agreements aimed at distributing the proceeds of unlawful acts, even without the commission of other crimes. [93] Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19 [page 37] So far, these children can only be identified if they expertise and strong institutional coordination, which voluntarily reveal their gang affiliation, which very few remain largely insufficient. It is therefore necessary to do, due to the risk of stigma and fear of retaliation from strengthen the training and specialization of judicial gangs. Upon their release, often when they are already personnel, law enforcement, and other institutions young adults, this organization continues to support involved in combating child trafficking and labor, as well them and their families by providing vocational training, as to improve coordination and cooperation among entrepreneurship guidance, and material assistance to them. help them start income-generating activities, according to their needs. However, due to social stigma and the GA 'mproving the domestic approach lack of identification documents, their reintegration is extremely difficult, leaving them vulnerable to returning The absence of centralized coordination for cases of to gangs or engaging in other forms of criminal activity. trafficking involving children remains a major challenge. Although the NCFHT is officially designated as the Le . . national coordinating body on human trafficking, its | 6.3. Accountability for the crime of child current institutional structure, attached to the MSAL, trafficking limits its ability to act independently and effectively. Despite its mandate to oversee national strategies, Limited impact of the national legal coordinate inter-institutional efforts, and monitor their framework and judicial jurisdiction implementation, the Committee has neither legal Under article 368 of the new Penal Code, which was authority, nor a dedicated budget line, nor sufficient Staff. initially scheduled to enter into force in December 2025 These constraints have hindered its ability to provide à but has been postponed to an unspecified later date, coherent and sustained response to child trafficking by penalties range from 15 to 20 years of imprisonment gangs. when the trafficking victim is a minor, and from 20 to 30 Strengthening the institutional powers and autonomy of years of imprisonment when the offense is committed the NCFHT is essential to ensure that it can fully fulfill its by an organized criminal group. This increase in coordination role, oversee policy implementation, and penalties is based on the 2014 Law on Combating serve as a central hub for data collection, victim referral, Human Trafficking, which provides for sentences of and inter-institutional accountability. This would also help seven to 15 years (Article 11) and constitutes the ensure that children who are victims of gang-related applicable framework for trafficking until the new Penal trafficking are treated as victims rather than offenders Code comes into force. and that they receive the necessary protection and Jurisdiction to handle these crimes lies with the Court of rehabilitation services. First Instance, where cases are heard by the criminal As part of initiatives to strengthen national capacities to chamber sitting without a jury. The Child Protection Unit combat human trafficking, the Haitian Government (JPB) is responsible for investigations involving children, adopted a decree in April 2025 creating two specialized while the National Committee for the Fight against judicial units, developed with the support of the HRS and Human Trafficking (NCFHT) is responsible for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). coordination and policy development but has no judicial authority. One of these units is tasked with investigating and prosecuting serious human rights violations and abuses, The Haïtian judicial system faces significant structural while the other will focus on complex financial crimes. and operational challenges. Chronic underfunding, These units represent a promising step toward political interference, and the widespread impact of strengthening accountability and combating impunity in gang violence on personnel and judicial infrastructure cases of child trafficking. They are expected to become have severely weakened its capacity to deliver justice. In operational in 2026. Sustained political will, adequate this context, magistrates struggle to investigate and resources — including a specialized police unit for prosecute complex cases, such as those related to child combating trafficking — as well as protection for judicial trafficking, with the speed and efficiency required to actors will be essential to ensure the effectiveness and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and, if independence of these new structures, as well as to convicted, receive sentences proportionate to the guarantee the protection of victims and witnesses and severity of the offense. These cases require specialized their safe access to justice. [94] CCPR/C/HTI/CO/2, paras. 31(a) and (d) [page 38] VII. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS LÉ Child trafficking by gangs has devastating consequences for or in the belief that it might provide them with social status the human rights of children, their families, and Haïtian or a form of “protection”. society as a whole, while fueling a cycle of violence that : . : H further undermines security and stabilization efforts. To address this major challenge, national authorities, local Throughout the capital, children are recruited for exploitation organizations, the United Nations, and international partners to participate in gang criminal activities. Others fall victim to have implemented à seres of initiatives and programs that sexual exploitation and sexual slavery. have shown promising results. However, these efforts remain too limited in scale, fragmented, and heavily affected Throughout the trafficking process, children are coerced by by insecurity, as well as vulnerable to chronic underfunding. gangs to perform minor tasks, such as running errands or Moreover, the available funding does not always reach gathering information, as well as more serious crimes, initiatives in marginalized areas where trafficking is most including killings, sexual violence, and property destruction. prevalent, nor the families most vulnerable to traffickers. Girls experience gender-specific abuse in the form of sexual k . . . . exploitation, sexual slavery, and coerced relationships in In this context, it is essential ü rethink national and exchange for alleged “protection.” Violent “initiation rites” — international approaches. Only an integrated response — including forced killings, collective rapes, and ritualized which simultaneously addresses the harms suffered by ceremonies — further deepen children's dependence, isolate children who are victims and Survivors of abuse and them from their families, and consolidate their subjugation exploitation by gangs, tackles the root causes of trafficking, Within gang structures. Living in a context of pervasive and Ensures accountability for traffickers as well as violence and facing limited or non-existent social and effective remedies for victims — can meaningfully address economic opportunities, some children and their parents are this complex problem. drawn to gangs out of fear, to gain financial or in-kind benefits, To this end, the HRS recommends, in accordance with the international legal framework, the following priority actions: 1. Expand social protection programs and financial services for vulnerable families: To the Haitian authorities, with the support of the international community: - Deploy social protection and promotion programs in marginalized areas of Port-au-Prince to specifically target families, particularly female-headed households, whose children are at risk of trafficking by gangs. -_Adapt the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Information System (MSALIS) to collect data on vulnerability in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, with the aim of identifying the needs of marginalized families, including those whose children are at risk of trafficking. Based on this, develop effective measures to support them, including social protection programs, vocational training, employment services, and access to decent job opportunities. + Establish an independent and specialized observatory for monitoring and evaluating social protection and promotion programs, as well as accountability mechanisms, with the support of the Office of Citizen Protection (OCP) and civil society, in order to strengthen the credibility, effectiveness, and efficiency of the National Policy for Social Protection and Promotion (NPSPP). + Undertake sustained efforts to mobilize national resources, including through progressive fiscal policies, to fund the social protection and promotion system. + Promote access to microfinance programs or community-based financial services adapted to the urban context, with the aim of strengthening the autonomy of vulnerable families and fostering their financial independence. [page 39] 2. Strengthen the role of schools as protective spaces To the Haïtian authorities, with the support of the international community: + Strengthen programs aimed at encouraging children to attend school and stay off the streets, including through school feeding programs, the reconstruction of schools ransacked or destroyed by gangs, and the provision of cash transfers to facilitate the return to school of children affected by gang-related violence. + Support the development of civic education initiatives in schools, including through Peace and Integrity Clubs and the deployment of additional EDUPOL officers. 3. Develop more child-friendly spaces outside of schools To the Haitian authorities: . Ensure that mental health care is provided to children who have experienced various forms of psychological trauma related to gang violence. To the Haïtian authorities, with the support of the international community: + Support community and faith-based organizations that create safe environments where children receive mental health care and participate in constructive activities to reduce their vulnerability to gang-related trafficking. + Support the PREJEUNES program in establishing youth centers in the capital to reduce the risk and influence of gangs, as well as the prevalence of community violence. 4. Strengthen vocational training programs and employment opportunities for youth to prevent social discrimination To the Haïtian authorities, with the support of the international community: . Develop and enhance educational and vocational training programs for youth, particularly those living in marginalized areas, in order to improve their prospects of accessing decent employment at working age, in line With local labor market needs. 5. Strengthen responses by law enforcement and the judicial system To the Haitian authorities: + _Intensify efforts to investigate, prosecute, and sanction serious human rights violations, particularly those affecting children, committed by members of the Haïtian National Police during anti-gang operations. + Implement the 2021 National Strategy for Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration - Reduction of Community Violence (SNDDR-RVC), particularly its provisions concerning voluntary returns or weapons buyback programs, to reduce the availability of firearms among gang members. . Accelerate the establishment of the two specialized judicial units to combat serious crimes, including sexual violence and child trafficking, as well as corruption and financial crimes. To the international community: < Accelerate the deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), as authorized by the United Nations Security Council in its Resolution 2793 (2025), to combat gang criminal activities, in strict compliance with international law, including international human rights law. * Ensure that the human rights of children are fully protected at all times, including during the planning and conduct of operations by the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). This should include implementing a human rights compliance framework, referring children associated with gangs to appropriate actors, and deploying child protection advisors within the GSF, in accordance with the Security Council mandate. [page 40] <_Fully comply with the arms embargo established by United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2653 (2022), 2699 (2023), 2752 (2024), and 2794 (2025), including by strengthening inspections of shipments destined for Haïti at its ports and airports, in order to reduce the capacity of gangs to commit human rights violations. 6. Establish a child rights-respectful justice program To the Haïtian authorities: + Strengthen investigations and prosecutions of child trafficking in accordance with the “do no harm” principle. < Adopt all appropriate legislative, policy, administrative, and other measures to ensure the effective implementation of the non-punishment principle for trafficking victims by all competent national authorities, including the police. < Fully implement the 2023 "Protocol on the Transfer, Reception, and Care of Children Associated with Armed Gangs Encountered during Security Operations on National Territory, by establishing the envisaged inter- institutional Task Force and strengthening the institutions responsible for its execution. - Ensure the early and individualized identification of children who are victims of trafficking and children at risk, through effective screening and referral mechanisms to appropriate protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration services, and guarantee them access to unconditional assistance and remedies, while Strengthening gender-sensitive and inclusive rehabilitation and reintegration programs. 7. Strengthen accountability for the crime of child trafficking To the Haitian authorities: < Establish prosecution mechanisms, including through the specialized judicial unit for mass crimes, to ensure the systematic investigation and prosecution of child trafficking cases. + Create specialized anti-trafficking units within the Haïtian National Police (HNP) to improve the identification and handling of cases involving children who are victims of gang-related trafficking. + Strengthen inter-institutional cooperation between the Haitian National Police (HNP), the Child Protection Brigade (JPB), the National Committee for the Fight against Human Trafficking (NCFHT), the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (ISWR), public prosecutors, and other child protection actors to ensure that trafficking cases are not misclassified and that victims receive appropriate support. [page 41] ANNEX 1- METHODOLOGY Lt In accordance with the methodology of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for monitoring human rights, the HRS collected information from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources considered credible and reliable. The report is primarily based on interviews with victims, witnesses, civil society representatives, state institutions, and other individuals with direct or indirect knowledge of the documented incidents. Each source was assessed based on its reliability, its capacity to gather information in the given context, and the credibility of the data provided. AI information was then analysed according to OHCHR principles — credibility, reliability, accuracy, and corroboration — to ensure rigorous, impartial, and methodical documentation of the alleged violations. Due to the security context, some interviews were conducted remotely, primarily by telephone, with measures in place to ensure the confidentiality of the exchanges. The “do no harm” principle guided all interactions with sources to avoid any risk of negative impact on the individuals or organizations concerned. Particular attention was given to establishing appropriate protection measures for collecting testimonies from children and child victims of sexual violence, including through collaboration with organizations specializing in child protection and responses to sexual violence. The names of victims and other incident details included in this report have been altered to protect their privacy, prevent potential retaliation by perpetrators, and reduce the risk of social stigma. In some cases, the names of specific gangs are deliberately omitted to prevent indiscriminate retaliation against children who may be associated with them. The HRS also utilized open sources, as well as official documents, court decisions, publications from non- governmental organizations, and other relevant materials. AI information was rigorously verified and cross- checked with credible and reliable sources, including through direct consultations with individuals responsible for the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public and private social protection and prevention policies and programs. The main challenges in collecting and verifying data on the recruitment and use of children by gangs stem from the fact that those directly involved, whether perpetrators or victims, rarely speak about the issue outside their immediate circle. Nevertheless, testimonies collected by the HRS from former child gang members provide first- hand accounts of their experiences, shedding light on the roles they were forced to assume and the violence they endured. In addition, some adult gang members have openly admitted, in interviews published online, that children are actively involved in gangs and therefore participate in criminal activities, with one stating that “there is no age to fight or carry firearms"”. Furthermore, videos captured by residents during clashes between gangs and police or during the ransacking of buildings, and later shared on social media, have shown individuals appearing to be children, some as young as 10 or 12 years old, actively participating in these acts of violence. Many of them were armed with large rifles. [95] Charles Villa, “! met the gangs of Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti”, 11 October 2024, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=06WQL1L_9b4 [page 42] Sn) 1. International legal framework The international legal framework prohibiting all forms of slavery is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR, 1948). Haïti is also a party to the main international treaties relating to the trafficking of children and related forms of exploitation, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, ratified in 1991), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, ratified in 2013), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, ratified in 1995), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, ratified in 1981), International Labour Organization Convention No. 182 concerning the Worst Forms of Child Labour (ratified in 2007), as well as the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (the Palermo Protocol, ratified in 2011), supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Other relevant instruments include the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OPSC, ratified in 2014)”, the 1926 Slavery Convention”, the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery (ratified in 1958), ILO Convention No. 29 on Forced Labour (ratified in 1958) and its 2014 Protocol, as well as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (ratified in 2009). At the regional level, Haïti is bound by the American Convention on Human Rights (ratified in 1977), the Inter-American Convention of Belém do Parä (ratified in 1997), and the Inter-American Convention on the International Traffic in Minors. Haiti has also expressed its support for non-binding standards such as the Paris Principles, while the Vancouver Principles remain relevant but have not been formally endorsed. 2. Definitions 2.1. Children Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (article 1), a child is defined as any person under the age of 18°. Under the Haitian Constitution, the age of majority is also set at 18°. Under the Haitian Criminal Code, children aged 13 to 17 may be held criminally responsible"®. Notwithstanding this criminal responsibility, children under the age of 18 who are in conflict with the law retain their status as children and are entitled to special protection, in particular the protections guaranteed by the Convention on the Rights of the Child'”. 2.2. Trafficking in children The Palermo Protocol"®? defines trafficking in persons as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons for the purpose of exploitation. In the case of children, it is not necessary to prove the use of means such as coercion, deception or abuse of a position of vulnerability, as a child's consent to the exploitation is legally irrelevant'®. Exploitation includes, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude, and the removal of organs'”. [96] International humanitarian law, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC), does not apply in Haïti, since the current situation cannot be classified as an armed conflict. [97] This Convention has neither been signed nor ratified by Haïti. [98] Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 1 [99] Constitution of the Republic of Haïti, article 16.2 [100] New Haitian Criminal Code, articles 7, 11 and 112 [101] Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 40 [102] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, article 3 [103] A/80/166, para. 18; and Child trafficking and armed conflict, p. 10, available at https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/wp- content/uploads/2024/10/Child-trafficking-and-armed-conflict-2.pdf [104] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, article 3(a) and (b) [page 43] The Convention on the Rights of the Child also protects children against a wide range of exploitative practices, including economic exploitation, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in children, and the use of children for illicit activities '*. 3. Obligations of the State towards children in situations of vulnerability and children in conflict with the law 3.1. Children in situations of vulnerability The Committee on the Rights of the Child has placed particular emphasis on the vulnerability of separated and unaccompanied children to trafficking or involvement in criminal activities that may result in harm, or even death. Consequently, article 6 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child requires States parties to exercise heightened vigilance in this regard, particularly where organized crime is involved. The Committee has also noted that there is frequently a link between human trafficking and the situation of separated and unaccompanied children'®. The recruitment of children by organized criminal groups constitutes a human rights violation that affects children differently depending on their gender'”. The Secretary-General of the United Nations has emphasized that children associated with armed groups are frequently victims of sexual violence, and that girls are recruited at an earlier age and subjected to sexual harassment as a means of recruitment'®. This issue requires the adoption of a gender- sensitive approach in the design of prevention and protection mechanisms'®. Structural discrimination based on gender, as well as other forms of discrimination, increases the risk of trafficking as a result of States’ failures to ensure effective protection of children and respect for their rights'"°. lt can also lead to boys not being identified as victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation!". 3.2. Children in conflict with the law The Committee on the Rights of the Child has recognized that victims of trafficking must not be penalized but should instead receive assistance as victims of a serious human rights violation". Children who are exposed to the risk of being trafficked again should not be returned to their country of origin, unless this is in their best interests and appropriate protection measures have been put in place'". The principle of non-punishment of victims of trafficking is essential to ensure the recovery of victims and to guarantee a human rights-based response to child trafficking. Children may be at risk of being arrested and detained because of their association with armed groups, without being recognized or assisted as child victims of trafficking, in violation of the principle of non-punishment and of the State's obligations towards victims of trafficking under international law!"*. The Committee stated that children in conflict with the law have the right to be treated in a manner that promotes their reintegration, and that the arrest, detention or imprisonment of a child must be used only as a measure of last resort'". It is therefore necessary, as part of a comprehensive juvenile justice policy, to develop and implement a wide range of measures to ensure that children are treated in a manner appropriate to their well-being and proportionate both to their personal circumstances and to the seriousness of the offence committed'". Finally, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated'"? that the principle of non-punishment applies broadly to all forms of trafficking, whether for the purposes of sexual exploitation, labour exploitation or forced criminality, and that it covers both cross-border and internal trafficking. Under this principle, victims of trafficking must not be penalized for unlawful acts committed as a direct consequence of their situation [105] Convention on the Rights of the Child, articles 32 to 36 [106] CRC/GC/2005/6, paras. 23 and 52 [107] Ref.: AL COL 4/2024, p. 8 [108] Ref.: AL COL 4/2024, p. 8 [109] Ref.: AL COL 4/2024, p. 8 [110] A/80/166, para. 5. See A/71/303 [111] A/80/166, para. 5. See A/HRC/53/28/Add.2 [112] CRC/GC/2005/6, para. 53 [113] CRC/GC/2005/6, para. 53 [114] A/80/166, para. 32; A/HRC/56/60, p. 12. See A/HRC/47/34 [115] CRC/C/GC/10, para. 1 [116] CRC/C/GC/10 [117] A/HRC/47/34, para. 57 [page 44] of trafficking, regardless of the seriousness of the offence. Its scope encompasses criminal, civil, administrative and migration-related offences, as well as any other form of sanction. It further prohibits any form of deprivation of liberty in such contexts, including immigration detention and detention in the context of removal, transfer or return procedures. 4. State obligations in combating trafficking in children The following international instruments establishing States’ obligations to combat trafficking in children are not exhaustive, but they constitute some of the most important and most widely applicable frameworks. 4.1. International human rights standard Under the ICCPR, Haïti is required to prohibit slavery and forced labour, and, under the ICESCR, it must protect children from economic and social exploitation". The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) strengthens States’ obligations relevant to combating the trafficking and exploitation of women and girls'®. The Convention on the Rights of the Child requires States to ensure that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration in all actions concerning children, and to take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation"? Furthermore, articles 32 to 36 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child expressly impose on States the obligation to prevent and combat the exploitation of children, including trafficking, sexual exploitation and the sale of children’?. Moreover, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography requires States to criminalize the sale of children and related exploitative practices, and strengthens their obligations with regard to prevention, protection and international cooperation. The Palermo Protocol requires States to criminalize trafficking in persons, to prevent and combat that crime, to protect and assist victims, and to promote international cooperation" ?. It emphasizes the identification of victims, respect for their privacy and protection, access to legal assistance, and the establishment of measures for physical, psychological and social recovery, taking into account the age and specific needs of child victims'?. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention (No. 182) concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, ratified by Haïti in 2007, legally binds the national authorities to the elimination of child trafficking. In its Fact Sheet No. 36 on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, OHCHR stated that the principle of non-punishment applies generally to all forms of trafficking and prohibits any deprivation of liberty in such contexts, including criminal, administrative or immigration detention'?*. 4.2. Regional standards relating to human rights Article 6 of the American Convention on Human Rights'#, ratified by Haïti in 1977, establishes the prohibition of slavery, including the trafficking of women and forced or compulsory labour. As early as 2006, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights recognized the existence of a trend in international law aimed at prohibiting the recruitment of persons under 18 years of age into the armed forces and ensuring that minors do not take a direct partin hostilities. Subsequently, in its 2016 judgment in Workers of the Hacienda Brasil Verde v. Brazil, the Court interpreted the prohibition set out in article 6 as referring broadly to “trafficking in persons”. It also found that States are required to adopt positive measures to put an end to such practices and to prevent violations, stating as follows: “States have the obligation to ensure the creation of the necessary conditions to guarantee that violations of this [118] International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, articles 8 and 24 [119] Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, article 6 [120] Convention on the Rights of the Child, articles 32-36; CRC/GC/2005/6, para. 52 [121] Convention on the Rights of the Child, articles 32-36 [122] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, article 6; AL COD 1/2025, p. 11; A/HRC/56/60, para. 1 [123] Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, articles 6(1), 6(3), 9(2) and 9(5); AL COD 1/2025, p. 11 [124] OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 36 on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, pages 17-22 [125] American Convention on Human Rights, article 6 [page 45] inalienable right do not occur and, in particular, the duty to prevent both their agents and private individuals from violating it”. Accordingly, States must adopt comprehensive measures in order to act with due diligence, establish an appropriate legal framework and ensure its effective implementation. 4.3. Soft law Non-binding international guidelines, while rooted in binding international human rights law, further clarify States’ obligations and provide guidance for the implementation of a human rights-based approach to combating trafficking in human beings. In particular, the Principles and Guidelines Recommended by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Human Rights and Human Trafficking'? stress that the protection of the human rights of victims of trafficking must be at the centre of all anti-trafficking actions. They emphasize the importance of victim identification, the non-criminalization and non-detention of victims for offences linked to their situation of trafficking, as well as the provision of appropriate assistance and protection measures. The Guidelines also highlight the need for special safeguards for children, including measures tailored to their age, gender and specific vulnerabilities, as well as approaches that give priority to recovery, rehabilitation and durable solutions. For its part, Guideline 8°? makes explicit reference to special protection and support measures for child victims of trafficking. In particular, it urges States to ensure that definitions of child trafficking take account of children's need for special protection and, in accordance with the Palermo Protocol, that deception, force or coercion are not included as elements of that definition. It also stresses the importance of ensuring that child victims of trafficking are not subjected to criminal proceedings for offences related to their situation as victims of trafficking, inter alia. Moreover, Fact Sheet No. 36 of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights constitutes another important and authoritative soft-law resource, which interprets binding human rights obligations relating to trafficking in human beings'#. [126] Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking [127] Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, Guideline 8, p. 11 [128] OHCHR Fact Sheet No. 36 on Human Rights and Human Trafficking, pages 17-22