2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Haiti
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Human Rights
Keywords
Human trafficking, gang violence, migration, human rights
Description
Over the past five years, human trafficking has been a significant issue in Haiti, with both domestic and foreign victims targeted. In 2023, estimates suggest three million Haitians were at risk. Contributing to the heightened vulnerability were numerous crises, such as gang violence, fuel shortages, migration, infrastructure breakdown, and government service inadequacies. A large portion of trafficking in Haiti involves children in "restavek" situations—domestic servitude where they face abuse, non-payment, and limited education. Data indicates that in 2022, most girls in these circumstances were victims of sex trafficking while boys faced labor trafficking. Concerningly, many of these children end up on the streets, further risking re-trafficking. A rising phenomenon is unlicensed orphanages exploiting children, with a staggering 80% of the children having at least one living parent. Foreign women, notably from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, are also vulnerable to trafficking in Haiti. International child sex tourism targeting Haitians, primarily by North Americans and Europeans, is evident, with practices like "bride-buying." Gang violence further elevates the risk, especially in areas outside government control. Migrant risks remain high with many repatriated to Haiti. Migrant routes through Central and South America show signs of trafficking vulnerability, with the Dominican Republic-Haiti border seeing the largest volume of potential victims. The overall awareness and implementation of anti-trafficking measures in Haiti remain limited, with a majority unaware of trafficking distinctions or how to report incidents.
2023 Trafficking in Persons Report: Haiti
Over the past five years, human trafficking has been a significant issue in Haiti, with both domestic and foreign victims targeted. In 2023, estimates suggest three million Haitians were at risk. Contributing to the heightened vulnerability were numerous crises, such as gang violence, fuel shortages, migration, infrastructure breakdown, and government service inadequacies. A large portion of trafficking in Haiti involves children in "restavek" situations—domestic servitude where they face abuse, non-payment, and limited education. Data indicates that in 2022, most girls in these circumstances were victims of sex trafficking while boys faced labor trafficking. Concerningly, many of these children end up on the streets, further risking re-trafficking. A rising phenomenon is unlicensed orphanages exploiting children, with a staggering 80% of the children having at least one living parent. Foreign women, notably from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, are also vulnerable to trafficking in Haiti. International child sex tourism targeting Haitians, primarily by North Americans and Europeans, is evident, with practices like "bride-buying." Gang violence further elevates the risk, especially in areas outside government control. Migrant risks remain high with many repatriated to Haiti. Migrant routes through Central and South America show signs of trafficking vulnerability, with the Dominican Republic-Haiti border seeing the largest volume of potential victims. The overall awareness and implementation of anti-trafficking measures in Haiti remain limited, with a majority unaware of trafficking distinctions or how to report incidents.
