The call comes amid reports that the situation in Haiti is deteriorating day by day, with citizens facing increasing violence, human rights and food emergencies, as well as a cholera epidemic.

The influence of armed gangs is growing exponentially in the capital Port-au-Prince and beyond, reaching the department of Artibonite, the country’s breadbasket. Armed violence – including kidnappings and sexual violence against women and girls – is also on the rise.

The six senior officials, representing UN aid agencies and international NGOs, met with people in need of humanitarian aid, as well as local and international partners.

They also held talks with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and other senior government officials, and met with community representatives from areas controlled or under the influence of armed gangs.

“The humanitarian needs in Haiti are unprecedented,” Sara Bordas Eddy, head of UNICEF’s Humanitarian Field Support Division, said at the end of the two-day trip. “The suffering of a Haitian child today cannot be compared to the suffering of a Haitian child a few years ago. As humanitarian workers, we find ways to reach people in need, including in gang-controlled areas. For that to happen in a sustainable way, we also need the donor community to not give up on Haiti.”

Despite the difficulties, UN and NGO officials noted that the humanitarian response continues to be scaled up and pledged even greater support to aid workers on the ground.

“The population feels desperate, but I also saw the resilience and potential of the women and girls who want to help build a better future for their countries, communities and families,” said Shoko Arakaki, director of the Humanitarian Aid Department of the UN population. Fund (UNFPA). “They urgently need medical and psychosocial support, as well as livelihoods and economic empowerment for recovery.”

This year, the UN and its partners need $715 million to help more than three million people in Haiti. This is more than double the amount appealed for last year, and the highest amount since the 2010 earthquake.

The visit also included Tareq Talahma, the acting director of the Operations and Advocacy Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Osnat Lubrani, the acting director and head of the humanitarian branch of the UN Women’s Office. Geneva part. , Dominic MacSorley, the Humanitarian Ambassador for Concern Worldwide, and Mark Smith, World Vision’s Vice President of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs.

“More than just humanitarian aid, what the people of Haiti need is peace, security and protection,” said Mr Talahma. “We must not let Haiti become a forgotten crisis.”