Terrible tragedy on Christmas Day: two children killed in gang violence in Haiti

Two children lost their lives on Christmas Day as violence intensified in Haiti at the hands of an armed group. The group, 400 Mawozo, launched a deadly attack on Monday in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, according to the United Nations (UN). The two victims were girls under the age of ten. The gang also took four family members hostage.

 

The group intensified its attacks to the east of the capital. In the week before Christmas, members of the armed group killed at least five people, including a mother and child. According to local residents, 400 Mawozo are behind these killings.

 

Bruno Maes, Unicef's representative in Haiti, explains that the UN is "deeply shocked and hurt" by the latest attacks, which have left "a trail of unimaginable sorrow and despair ».

 

Unicef has sounded the alarm over the escalating violence in Haiti and its deadly consequences for children. Armed groups are increasingly attacking schools and health institutions in the regions they control.

 

"Major crimes, including deliberate murders and kidnappings, are increasing at a high rate, particularly in the region around the large city of Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite department," explains Maes. "The national police recorded at least 1,239 murders between July and September, compared with 577 over the same period last year. Kidnappings rose to 701 victims, a clear increase of 244%. »

 

Repeated attacks and limited access for humanitarian workers are making it more complicated to help people in need, adds Bruno Maes. "Unicef and others have repeatedly called for the protection of citizens, especially women and children, and respect for international humanitarian law", explains the representative.