Children in Haiti are increasingly caught in the crossfire of gang violence, forced to carry weapons, spy on police and rival gangs, and run errands for gunmen. Many children are involved in gangs out of hunger or fear. The violence has led to tragic deaths, injuries, and horrifying incidents like collective rape of girls and young women.
Key Points
Children forced to join gangs due to hunger or fear
Girls and young women subjected to collective rape and violence
Inadequate support and resources for children in gang-controlled areas
Pros
Amnesty International shedding light on the dire situation
Calls for better support and resources for children in Haiti
Cons
Severe underfunding and understaffing of Haiti's National Police
Lack of resources for reintegration of children into society