For a large segment of the Haitian population, for more than five years now, the nightmare has no longer been an exception but a daily reality. Insecurity has taken root, normalized itself, and become the backdrop of ordinary life. The assassination of President Jovenel Mo\u00efse on the night of July 6\u20137 did not reverse this trajectory. <\/p>\n
On the contrary, it accelerated the chaos, deepening an already advanced process of decomposition, particularly in working-class neighborhoods, ghettos, and shadow zones now under the control of armed groups. In the corridors and alleyways of the metropolitan area, violence imposes its own law, redraws borders, and disrupts social reference points. Municipalities and neighborhoods once perceived as peaceful residential spaces are now dominated by criminal groups.<\/p>\n
This reality was eventually acknowledged by the State itself when the then Minister of Justice and Public Security, Emmelie Proph\u00e8te Milc\u00e9, spoke in March 2023 on Radio Sans Fin (RSF) about the existence of genuine \u201clost territories. \u201d What truly happens inside these so-called \u201clost territories\u201d? <\/strong><\/p>\n Within these spaces labeled \u201cLost Territories,\u201d all residents \u2014 women, men, and children alike \u2014 endure various forms of inhuman treatment without distinction. Popular discourse on social media and in militant-leaning press reviews tends to focus mainly on women and girls, who are indeed major victims of insecurity, while giving far less attention to the situations faced by men and boys. Yet they are equally victims of what could be called the \u201cLabyrinth of Insecurity.\u201d <\/p>\n The first-quarter 2025 report (January\u2013March) of BINUH on victims of violence supports this observation. During this period, victims were distributed as follows: 85% men, 13% women, and 2% children. These statistics encompass three main dynamics of violence and abuse identified during the second half of 2024: Numerous testimonies highlight the vulnerability of young men in the face of insecurity in Haiti. Jean Patrick Fran\u00e7ois, a young man, shared his story on Ayibopost through a video after narrowly escaping death in Canap\u00e9-Vert following severe physical abuse by local vigilante groups known as \u201cN\u00e8g Brigad.\u201d His case is only one among many; countless victims \u2014 mostly men \u2014 have already lost their lives.<\/p>\n This testimony sheds light on the vulnerability of young men based on their physical appearance and certain practices that remain taboo in Haitian society. Hairstyles such as dreadlocks, piercings, or clothing that does not conform to social norms can expose young men to suspicion, harassment, and violence. <\/p>\n Many organizations focus their advocacy, reporting, and rehabilitation programs on women and girls who are victims of insecurity in Haiti. But what about men and boys who suffer the same forms of violence \u2014 rape, exploitation, beatings, and even murder? Who speaks on their behalf? A heavy silence weighs over the dire situation faced by men and boys. What explains this silence? Insecurity in Haiti \u2014 in all its forms: food insecurity, physical insecurity, economic insecurity, psychological insecurity, and social insecurity \u2014 affects the entire population in the same way, without distinction based on sex or gender. Men and women, girls and boys, can all become victims of insecurity-related violence. Yvelie Jemima Sanon<\/p>\n If you appreciate this article, support us. Every donation counts in helping our team continue to inform with rigor and impartiality. Donate here<\/a><\/p>\n From the same author:<\/p>\n
Violence linked to criminal activities
Police operations against gangs
Violent actions by self-defense groups and the so-called \u201cPopular Justice\u201d movement known as Bwa Kale
Despite these figures, public attention continues to focus primarily on women and girls. <\/p>\n
Very few organizations adopt an inclusive approach. One example is SOFA (Solidarit\u00e9 Fanm Ayisyen), through its project entitled \u201cReintegration of Displaced Adolescent Girls and Boys, Witnesses and Victims of Violence,\u201d which provided psychosocial support during the summer period to displaced adolescents living in camps due to gang violence. <\/p>\n
In certain areas known as \u201cRat pa Kaka\u201d \u2014 meaning zones with strong vigilante brigades meant to prevent gang infiltration \u2014 men and boys are even more likely to be killed despite being innocent, often based on unproven accusations. This falls under the third category of violence identified by BINUH.
Therefore, reality must be understood in its entirety so that everyone is taken into account when assessing the true impact of insecurity on the Haitian population.
If you appreciate this article, support us. Every donation counts in helping our team continue to inform the public with rigor and impartiality. Donate here. <\/p>\n