Published on: 2026-08-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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August 28, 2026 Peace and Security
Approximately every thirteenth child in Haiti aged six months to five years suffers from acute malnutrition. This is evidenced by preliminary results of a nutrition study published on Friday by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
New data emerged amid ongoing violence in the country: as a result of a recent band attacks on the Kenscoff commune, located in the hills above Port-au-Prince, at least 47 people were killed, including five children.
Acute malnutrition among children
According to UNICEF, the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months increased from 5.1 percent in 2023 to 7.4 percent in 2026. This refers to moderate or severe wasting, as well as edema related to undernutrition.
“These data have emerged against the backdrop of prolonged insecurity, economic hardships, and humanitarian needs that continue to limit families’ access to sufficient nutritious food, medical care, and nutrition services,” said Yannig Dussar, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Haiti. “Preventing and treating malnutrition in Haiti requires urgent action and attention from all stakeholders and participants to ensure children have access to the vital services they need.”
Security Council Meeting
The scale of the crisis in Haiti was discussed on Friday at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, reported that during the night of August 23 to 24, armed gangs attacked the Kenscoff commune in the hills above Port-au-Prince. At least 47 people were killed, including three boys and two girls. Dozens of people were kidnapped, many were injured, and the attack caused new population displacements.
Militants also set fire to houses and attacked people trying to take refuge from the violence. In particular, in the church, gang members executed people and killed others as they tried to flee. Ruiz Massieu demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted individuals, including women and children.
Gangs terrorize the population
According to the special representative, the tragedy in Kenscoff is not an isolated case. It became the latest in a series of attacks that this commune has suffered since the beginning of 2025. The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, BINUH, recorded 1,408 deaths and 656 injuries just during the period from April to June 2026. Ruiz Massieu emphasized that gangs continue to terrorize the population, expand their influence beyond the capital, and directly challenge state authority and the rule of law.
Humanitarian crisis
Violence directly exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. As the Special Representative noted, security forces operations alone are not enough. They must be accompanied from the outset by measures to restore state authority, essential services, as well as economic and social activity in the affected areas.
A comprehensive approach is also necessary, including the reopening of schools and medical facilities, restoration of sources of income, and programs that enable people to leave gangs. Special attention, he said, must be given to children and young people who are recruited and used by armed groups.
“Expressions of concern are important and reflect our solidarity with the people of Haiti, but they must be accompanied by sustained action,” said Ruiz Massieu. According to him, Haiti needs the existing commitments to be translated into concrete results as soon as possible.
Speaking on behalf of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, his acting deputy Indrik Ratwatte spoke about the humanitarian situation in this island nation. In addition to violence, Haiti is subjected to natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes. Around 1.5 million people – 12 percent of the country’s population – are internally displaced.
Ratwatte specifically addressed the situation of children. According to him, more than 2.6 million children in Haiti are in need of humanitarian aid, and the number of children recruited and used by armed groups is estimated by UNICEF to have increased by 200 percent in 2025. More than 1,600 schools remain closed, leaving over 240,000 students without access to education.
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