Protection Issues
Haiti faces a deepening protection crisis since 2021, with escalating gang-related violence, particularly in the West, Artibonite, and Centre departments. Widespread violence involving various armed actors has resulted in thousands of killings, injuries and kidnappings, while weak rule of law institutions and limited access to justice fuel impunity. Gender-Based Violence is pervasive, with sexual violence used as a tactic of intimidation and territorial control. Children face family separation and recruitment by armed groups, exposing them to abuse and exploitation. Internal displacement has left many people living in unsafe conditions with limited basic services and protection. Haitians abroad are being forcibly returned, often without basic safeguards or due process guarantees.
Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan in 2026
About the Protection Cluster
In Haiti, the Protection Cluster is led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and co-led by the Office de la Protection du Citoyen (OPC) and has over 100 partners. It includes thematic workstreams on GBV (led by UNFPA and the Ministère à la Condition Féminine et aux Droits des Femmes), child protection (led by UNICEF and the Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches), and protection of migrants (led by IOM and the Office National de la Migration).
Coordination Team
Protection Cluster Coordinator
Gender-Based Violence Lead
Child Protection Lead
Child Protection Lead
Migrant Protection Lead
Information Management Officer
Information Management Officer
