Our updates usually focus on our work and the impact it is making. We focus on the positive and inspiration as we continue to provide our daily programming. The growing insecurity which has been an issue for years has reached a critical state.
The realities of working under these conditions is more than challenging as it impacts the ability to bring in goods (such as soccer gear or food for the meal for the kids in our daily program), reduced banking as cash is scarce and extreme fuel shortages where we have to plan ahead and have back up contingency plans for everything.
In the past two years we have had family of staff kidnapped, tortured, hit by stray bullet while trying to escape neighborhoods taken over by gangs as they are forced to abandon their home.
Gang fighting has reached the border of the town where our office is and the gangs are pushing to expand their territory.
The weight of trauma, anxiety and fear is a thick blanket over the entire country.
Every day there is more tragic and horrific news of some destruction, violence or new neighborhood lost. The capital is teetering on 100% control by the gangs as every day Haitians try to make a living, provide for their families and create a future for their children.
This article shares more on the plight - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/23/haiti-port-au-prince-rebel-gangs
I asked our Program Director for his thoughts on the current situation and he shared this -
Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is deepening in crises due to gang violence, political instability, and economic collapse. Following the 2021 assassination of our President Jovenel Moïse, armed groups have tightened their grip on the city, unleashing terror through kidnappings, sexual violence, and territorial battles. During this chaos, women and young girls have been targeted and endure unimaginable hardships. This crisis threatens their safety, health, and futures.
In recent weeks we’ve witnessed the gangs’ blockade of critical infrastructure, crippling access to food, water, and healthcare. Inflation has soared to over 50%, and half the population faces food insecurity. Hospitals and schools operate sporadically or have been destroyed, while displaced families crowd into makeshift camps, unprotected from violence or disease.
Women and girls are struggling daily with the reality of sexual violence, exploitation, and fear. Reports indicate gangs use rape as a weapon of control, targeting those who venture out for food or water. With law enforcement nonexistent, people rarely see justice. Refugee camps offer little refuge, they lack security, and women risk assault even in shelters. Young girls are particularly vulnerable to trafficking or forced marriages as desperate families seek survival.
The unrest in Port-au-Prince is not just a political or economic crisis; it is a crisis of humanity. Haitian women and girls need to be protected. Their survival and empowerment are essential to Haiti’s recovery.
GOALS is strongly committed to making sure our kids don't become victims of what's happening in Port-au-Prince. We remain committed to this work and the impact we see every day. We are getting messages from people asking how they can help. Continuing to raise awareness and support is more important now than ever before. We are grateful to have such a caring and generous donor base and appreciate the continued support. We ask for solidarity from our local and international partners. In solidarity lies hope and this is what Haiti needs now.