An Update on Haiti

Political instability, combined with economic insecurity and desperate circumstances, has led to gangs seeking control of the country through violence. Port-au-Prince, the Department of Artibonite, and other areas of the country have been affected by violence. The majority of Port-au-Prince is currently controlled by gangs.

At Compassion, we’re deeply committed to child protection. It’s exactly why we work through the local church — to ensure that there are people on the ground, making sure that every child in the programme is known, loved, and accounted for. During this time, our staff and local partners are making every effort to stay in touch with all children who may be affected by the current violence.

To learn more, watch an update from Edouard Lassegue, Regional Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean.

If you sponsor within Haiti, please rest assured that we’ll let you know of any updates from our local partners as we receive them. We’ll also always contact you if we learn that the child you sponsor has been directly affected.

Please join us in praying for children, youths, families and communities in Haiti.

Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions.

What support is Compassion providing to children, young people and families impacted by the unrest?

Compassion continues to walk alongside the local churches impacted by the instability across the country. The support children and their families receive will vary. It can include hygiene kits for children and families, health care for children, in-home or virtual communication with families for child protection matters and family wellbeing, and in-home or virtual support for children’s education. It can also include food kits, food vouchers, or cash transfers.

How does Compassion support its staff and Frontline Church Partners working in areas with high levels of violence or conflict?

Compassion’s highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of children, families, staff, frontline church partners and volunteers. We have advised everyone involved in our programming in Haiti to adapt their activities as needed to ensure their personal safety.

In areas with high levels of gang violence, programme delivery is being adjusted to mitigate safety and security risks as much as possible. Compassion will also provide personal safety education resources to our staff and our church partner communities.

Which regions in Haiti are affected by gang activity?

Port-au-Prince, the Department of Artibonite, and other areas of the country have been affected by violence. The majority of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs.

In areas with high levels of gang violence, some of our frontline church partners have temporarily paused gatherings at the projects to prioritise safety. In those instances, our church partners will deliver programming as they are able. This might be through home visits or other virtual options.

We’re deeply committed to child protection. It’s exactly why we work through the local church — to ensure that there are people on the ground making sure that every child in the programme is known, loved, and accounted for. Our staff and local partners are making every effort to stay in touch with all children who may be affected by the current violence.

How will I know if the child I sponsor or his/her family are impacted by gang violence?

Thank you for your concern for the child you sponsor. In areas with high levels of gang violence, programme delivery is being adjusted to prioritise the personal safety of children, families, staff, frontline church partners and volunteers. In these cases, our partners will deliver programming as they are able. This might be through home visits or other virtual options.

Should we receive news that your sponsored child has been directly impacted, we’ll always contact you.

We’ll also keep this page updated with the latest information and prayer requests.

Should I continue sending my monthly sponsorship funds?

Yes. We are so grateful for your continued care for the child you sponsor. Your ongoing support brings hope in these difficult times.