The United Nations and its partners launched a $1.2 billion appeal on January 29, 2025, to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The appeal seeks to provide aid to 3.6 million people, nearly a third of the country's population, affected by gang violence, food insecurity, and a cholera outbreak.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that the situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with 85% of the population facing poverty, and the ongoing violence has displaced over 1.000% of the country's population. The appeal aims to provide food, water, sanitation, and health services, as well as support for education and protection of children.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) called the situation in Haiti a "perfect storm" of crises, highlighting the need for urgent action to prevent further suffering. The appeal also seeks to address the root causes of the crisis, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to basic services.
The appeal comes as the Haitian government struggles to regain control of the country, with gangs controlling large parts of Port-au-Prince and other major cities. The UN has called for an end to the violence and for the Haitian authorities to prioritize the needs of the population.