The already precarious economic state is being worsened by the shortage of goods and resources. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the provision of water and essential services is being pushed to its maximum capacity.

The Secretary-General of the UN urged all parties involved in Haiti to behave responsibly. They also expressed gratitude towards the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and their partners for aiding in finding a solution to Haiti’s political turmoil. This was achieved through the signing of an agreement, which includes the appointment of an interim prime minister. Mr. Dujarric stated this information.

Thousands displaced

UN agencies have reported that in Haiti, numerous armed groups have seized control of the primary roadways, resulting in the suspension of flights to Port-au-Prince and a drastic decrease in income due to a significant increase in displacement.

More than 362,000 Haitians have been forced to flee their homes due to gang violence, and more than half of them are children.

Since the start of 2024, over 35,000 people have fled their homes in an attempt to flee the worsening crisis.

Haiti requires more assistance than simply having soldiers on the field.

According to recent news, Kenya is halting its efforts to establish a support force due to the departure of Mr. Henry. In October, Mr. Henry had requested the Security Council’s involvement in sending a mission to bring peace in the midst of escalating violence caused by armed gangs.

The World Food Programme stated that the recent agreements between Haiti and Kenya, which allow the support mission to be deployed, show promising progress. However, if the issue of hunger crisis in the country is not addressed, it could potentially jeopardize efforts towards restoring stability.

According to Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of WFP, the widespread violence is preventing aid workers from reaching communities in need. This is happening at a critical time as donor funding is decreasing.

“Haiti needs more than just boots on the ground,” she said. “Efforts to restore law and order must be matched by an equally effective humanitarian response to meet soaring needs.”

The relief endeavor is currently operating with minimal resources.

The current funding for the humanitarian response plan in Haiti is only at two percent of the $674 million target, according to her statement.

“We are currently facing a dire situation in our humanitarian efforts in Haiti, as the funds for providing hot meals are expected to exhaust in the next two weeks,” stated Ms. McCain. “We urgently require donors to come forward and provide support so that we can address the increasing levels of hunger and prevent further chaos.”

There is a growing issue of food insecurity that is being overlooked amidst ongoing security and political issues.

Risk of famine

Jean-Martin Bauer, country director of the World Food Programme, issued a warning about a potential famine in Haiti. He emphasized that the levels of hunger in Port-au-Prince are comparable to those in areas affected by war.

At a WFP warehouse in Cap Haitien, Mr. Bauer informed reporters via videolink from UN Headquarters that Haiti is currently facing one of the most severe food crises in the world.

Haiti’s food situation has been unstable due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. According to a source, 1.4 million individuals are currently on the brink of experiencing famine.

Port-au-Prince besieged

He explained that individuals are resorting to extreme measures in order to obtain sufficient food, such as reducing the amount of meals and consuming subpar food options, resulting in a significant increase in malnutrition rates. He further stated that people are even resorting to selling their possessions, including personal belongings and property, to simply make ends meet and survive.

Haiti depends on food imports for 50 per cent of its needs, he explained. While WFP has prepositioned stocks in Port-au-Prince, the city remains besieged, and “no one can go in and out”.

Currently, there are over 200,000 children at risk for severe malnutrition, according to a statement from him. He mentioned that a report on food insecurity, which uses the integrated security phase classification (IPC), will be released in the upcoming weeks.

“We must take further action.”

As of March 1st, WFP has provided aid to over 280,000 individuals. With a team of approximately 300 employees, WFP is working diligently to assist those who are most in need. This includes delivering 14,000 meals to those who have been displaced in the capital, according to Mr. Bauer.

He expressed that it is an ongoing challenge, highlighting initiatives such as offering mobile credit to those who require it and maintaining close communication with community leaders. These efforts have allowed for the provision of meals to 160,000 students living outside the main city.

“However, we are aware that further action is necessary,” he stated. “We must prioritize restoring security within the country, as well as reopening the port and replenishing depleted stocks.”

‘Recipe for a food crisis’

If the current situation in the capital persists, there will be a significant rise in food prices, which are already inflated. Prices in southern Haiti saw a 25 per cent increase in January and have continued to rise by at least 10 per cent over the past few days, according to Mr. Bauer’s warning.

He stated that it is a formula for a potential food shortage.

According to him, widespread hunger is closely connected to instability, conflict, and large-scale movement of people. In order for the upcoming assistance mission to be successful, it will require strong food aid for the community, as it cannot attain its goals independently.

According to him, while security may be necessary, it is crucial to have a strong humanitarian response plan.

The organization stated that, if safety allows, they plan to aid 2.4 million individuals by 2024 through both cash and food distributions. They are also collaborating with the government to offer school meals and establish sustainable programs that will support Haitians in growing their own food.

Find out how WFP is helping Haiti here.

The source is from the United Nations website.