Violence Forces 1.5 Million Haitians From Homes
Violence spreading beyond Haiti’s traditional conflict zones has pushed internal displacement to its highest level on record, with nearly 1.5 million people now uprooted from their homes, according to the latest figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
1.5 million displaced across Haiti
The agency reported that women and girls account for more than half of those displaced, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll of insecurity that is affecting both urban centres and rural communities.
Gregoire Goodstein, IOM chief of mission in Haiti, warned that the situation is becoming increasingly severe as armed violence expands into areas that were once considered relatively secure.
“Haiti’s displacement crisis is entering an even more alarming phase,” he said. “The crisis is no longer confined to specific neighbourhoods or regions. As violence spreads into areas once considered safe, more and more people are being forced to flee repeatedly, often with nowhere left to turn.”
Data collected through the IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix shows that fresh outbreaks of violence continue to drive new waves of movement. More than 18,000 people fled renewed clashes in Cité Soleil during May, while recent attacks in Haiti’s South-East Department forced another 5,000 residents from their communities.
The violence in Cité Soleil pushed the number of internally displaced people in Port-au-Prince above 300,000 for the first time. Many sought refuge in overcrowded temporary settlements or with host families already facing significant hardship.
The crisis has been intensified by the return of Haitians from abroad. Since the start of 2026, more than 110,000 people have been forcibly returned to Haiti, including women, children and other vulnerable groups. Many arrive with few resources and are resettled in communities struggling with insecurity and limited services.
Shortages of shelter, food, clean water, healthcare and psychosocial support remain widespread. Humanitarian agencies warn that overcrowding is increasing protection risks, particularly for children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and female-headed households.
With the Atlantic hurricane season underway, aid organisations fear severe weather could further worsen conditions for displaced families living in fragile shelters. Despite security challenges, IOM says it continues to provide emergency assistance, healthcare, sanitation services and other support to affected communities across the country.
