Kidnappings of women and children are on the rise in Haiti due to worsening gang violence, with the number of abductions in the first half of 2023 nearly reaching last year’s total.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stated on Monday that approximately 300 kidnappings have been reported in the Caribbean nation during the first six months of this year.
Armed groups primarily take women and children “for financial or tactical gains,” according to the agency. It urgently demands the immediate release of those who have been kidnapped.
“Women and children are not commodities. They are not bargaining chips. And they should never be subjected to such unimaginable violence,” stated Garry Conille, UNICEF’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The alarming increase in kidnappings and abductions is extremely concerning, posing a threat to both the people of Haiti and those who have come to provide assistance.”
Article from www.aljazeera.com rnrn