Haiti confronts record 1.5 million internally displaced by gang violence

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (OIM) reported that about 1.47 million people – roughly 12 % of Haiti’s 12 million‑strong population – are internally displaced as gang‑related violence spreads beyond traditional hotspots. More than half of those displaced are women and children, with a significant number of unaccompanied minors.

In May, fierce fighting in the Cité Soleil district forced over 18 000 residents to flee within days, pushing the capital’s displaced population above 300 000 for the first time. The OIM also noted forced repatriations of 270 000 Haitians in 2025 and an additional 110 000 arrivals since January 2026, many of whom return to insecure areas.

OIM mission chief Gregoire Goodstein warned that funding shortfalls could cripple the agency’s response beyond October, while the Atlantic hurricane season now adds further risk to an already fragile humanitarian situation.