Over half a million Haitians have been internally displaced by gang violence, with at least 40 people killed at sea in a recent boat incident. The boat carrying over 80 passengers caught fire while en route from Haiti to the Turks and Caicos islands, resulting in 41 people being rescued and 11 others treated for injuries. The incident highlights the dangers that migrants face and the urgent need for safe migration pathways, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Haiti has been experiencing ongoing violence, with armed gangs engaging in battles for control of territory. This has resulted in over 570,000 internal displacements, as reported by the UN. The situation has forced many Haitians to take desperate measures, leading to increased migration attempts, including dangerous sea voyages.
Kenyan police officers have been deployed to Haiti as part of a UN mission to support local law enforcement in combating gang violence. Additionally, neighboring countries have been forcibly returning Haitian migrants and refugees, despite the surge in violence and closure of airports in Haiti. The coastguard has noticed a rise in attempted boat departures from Haiti, prompting increased interceptions at sea by countries in the region.
The IOM has called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, emphasizing the need for safe migration channels and international support to protect vulnerable populations. The devastating boat incident serves as a tragic reminder of the risks faced by migrants seeking safety and a better life.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com