‘Alarming increase’ in recruitment of children into gangs in Haiti

This article is published in association with United Nations.

There has been an “alarming increase” in the number of children being recruited into gangs in Haiti with “devastating consequences” for children, families and society as a whole, the UN reported on Friday.

The big picture

The Caribbean nation is in the grip of a deepening security, humanitarian and governance crisis.

Armed gangs control large swathes of the capital Port-au-Prince and beyond, displacing families and restricting access to schools, healthcare and basic services.

Poverty is worsening for the most vulnerable families, and children are increasingly susceptible to gang recruitment, in order to earn money.

© UNOCHA/Giles Clarke

A road block is set up in a neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince in an attempt to prevent gang abductions.

Services to protect children are overstretched or absent, leaving minors at risk in neighborhoods where gangs exert control.

What’s happening: Extortion and control

At least 26 gangs, with names like 103 Zombies, Village de Dieu, Tokyo and Kraze Barye, operate in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

They control territory, violently extort communities and fight the beleaguered Haitian security forces for dominance.  

© UNICEF/Maxime Le Lijour

The UN says there has been an ‘alarming increase’ in recruitment of children into gangs in Haiti.

As clashes intensify, the gangs rely on a steady stream of recruits, including children, to maintain control.

Pierre recruited at age 10: “They (gang members) gave me cigarettes and leftover cocaine. I became heavily addicted. After using cocaine, I no longer behaved like a normal person. I felt like I was in another world and felt ready to kill anyone.

Children are viewed as easier to manipulate and less likely to draw suspicion.

Recruitment is no longer sporadic. In many areas, it is systematic.

The drivers: Poverty, coercion and survival.

Around 45 per cent of Haiti’s population is under 18 years old.

Many children are pushed by hunger, lack of schooling and economic desperation to join gangs. Others are forcibly recruited or threatened.

Joseph, 16 years old: “I grew up in a poor neighbourhood where gangs controlled everything. I saw armed men in the streets all the time. Some were well-dressed, had nice cars, and were surrounded by women.”

In gang-controlled neighborhoods, the mostly-armed members can appear to offer protection, belonging or income where the State offers none.

Displacement and family separation increase the likelihood of children joining gangs.

Inside the gangs: Children serve multiple functions

They act as lookouts, messengers and informants, roles that exploit their age and their ability to remain inconspicuous. Many are also involved directly in armed confrontations, checkpoints and kidnappings for ransom. One child reported earning $1000 a week in a country where many live below the poverty line.

Girls face heightened risks, including sexual exploitation, rape and forced relationships with gang members.

Julia: “Members of two allied gangs forced me to have sexual relationships with several of them on at least six occasions. These gangs control the area where I lived and created an atmosphere of fear.”

The toll: Severe and long-lasting

Recruited children face violence, trauma and abuse. Their education is disrupted and the long-term psychological harm can be profound.

© UNICEF/Ralph Tedy Erol

Thousands of families continue to flee their homes in Port-au-Prince due to gang-related violence.

Stigma and the fear of retaliation complicate their reintegration back into normal life. For girls especially, sexual violence deepens their trauma and exclusion from society.

The cycle of violence can become self-perpetuating.

The response: Security alone isn’t enough

A new report released by the UN in Haiti calls for stronger child protection systems, restored access to education and initiatives that prevent recruitment in gang-affected communities.

Louis, 17 years old: “I joined a gang to avenge my father’s death. He was killed by a rival gang while going to work. I quickly gained the trust of the older gang members. They became like my family.”

It highlights that families are key to preventing recruitment and suggests an increase in resources for, especially female-headed, households to protect children.

Schools are highlighted as playing a crucial deterrent role by offering both learning opportunities and protection from gang influence. The UN continues to support children’s school attendance through the establishment of canteens, the rehabilitation of buildings, the creation of temporary learning spaces and cash transfers to families.

Local NGO support

Local organizations are being supported by the UN to run vocational training programmes to provide young people with employment opportunities and an alternative to gang life.

Tackling the gangs to slow their territorial expansion and influence over local communities, especially young people, is also identified as a priority.

The UN-backed Gang Suppression Force established in 2025 and which is mandated to have 5,000 personnel is expected to play a key role.

The UN is also working to strengthen the Haitian justice system to combat child trafficking.