UN Warns Haiti in 'Freefall', Calls Urgent Global Action as HRP Only ~19.5% Funded

A senior UN aid official issued an urgent public appeal on April 11, 2026, warning that Haiti is experiencing 'one of the most severe and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crises in the Western Hemisphere' and demanding immediate global action. The official reported that over half of Haiti's nearly 12 million people — approximately 6.4 million — now need humanitarian assistance, up from 6 million in 2025 (+6.7%). Some 5.7 million people are going hungry, with families skipping meals and children leaving school to support households. At least 1.5 million people — 12% of the population — are internally displaced. Port-au-Prince remains 90% under gang control. The statement highlighted a critical funding gap: the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires $880 million to reach 4.2 million people, but only approximately 19.5% of needed funds had been secured — down from the 24% reported in late March, as US aid cuts under the Trump administration deepened. Gender-based violence recorded 8,100 survivors in 2025, a 25% increase from the prior year, with half of cases involving rape; only 30% of survivors received assistance within the critical 72-hour window due to funding shortfalls. Across Haiti, 1,600 schools remain closed due to insecurity — affecting 250,000 children. The official called for an end to the violence, continued support for humanitarian operations, and political solutions to end the crisis.