I. Introduction: A Nation Held Hostage 
Haiti is currently experiencing one of the worst crises in its modern history. Armed gangs control vast territories, wielding power that often surpasses that of the state itself. Kidnappings, extortion, and massacres have become daily realities for Haitians, leaving families trapped in fear and uncertainty. Alongside this violence, a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by hunger, displacement, and collapsed infrastructure forces thousands to flee the country. For many, migration is the only path to survival. 

II. Rise of Gangs in Haiti 
The growth of armed gangs in Haiti is tied to decades of political instability, weak governance, and poverty. Gangs initially emerged as tools of political elites, but over time, they became independent power structures controlling urban and rural communities. Today, groups like G9 and other coalitions have effectively seized control of parts of Port-au-Prince, displacing thousands of residents. 

III. Kidnappings and Extortion 
Kidnappings for ransom have become one of the gangs’ most profitable activities. Children, teachers, and even medical workers are abducted, paralysing entire communities with fear. At the same time, gangs demand extortion payments from businesses, transport operators, and families, making survival nearly impossible for those who cannot pay. 

IV. Targeted Massacres 
Massacres carried out by gangs against rival communities or those resisting extortion have shocked the nation. Entire neighbourhoods have been burned, residents executed, and survivors forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. These violent campaigns of terror fuel internal displacement and international migration alike. 

V. Humanitarian Crisis: Hunger and Poverty 
Haiti’s humanitarian crisis is inseparable from its security collapse. More than half of the population struggles with acute food insecurity, while inflation makes basic goods unaffordable. The breakdown of agricultural production, compounded by climate shocks, leaves millions at risk of starvation. For countless Haitians, hunger alone is reason enough to flee. 

VI. Collapse of Health Services 
The healthcare system in Haiti is collapsing under the weight of violence and neglect. Hospitals lack medicines, staff, and electricity, while armed gangs frequently block access to care. Women and children are especially affected, with maternal and child mortality rates rising dramatically in recent years. These conditions deepen the push factors for migration. 

VII. Displacement of Families 
Hundreds of thousands of Haitians are internally displaced, forced to abandon their homes due to gang violence. They live in makeshift camps or overcrowded shelters, with little access to water, food, or sanitation. For many families, leaving the country entirely becomes the only viable option for survival. 

VIII. Attacks on Women and Children 
Women and children bear the brunt of Haiti’s gang violence. Rape is used as a weapon of intimidation and control, while children face forced recruitment into gangs. These gendered dimensions of violence add urgency to the migration crisis, as families seek to protect their most vulnerable members. 

IX. State Failure and Impunity 
Haiti’s government remains largely powerless in the face of gang control. Security forces are underfunded, poorly trained, and often infiltrated by corruption. This failure allows gangs to operate with impunity, leaving citizens unprotected and reinforcing the decision to flee abroad. 

X. Dangerous Migration Journeys 
Haitians embarking on migration face perilous journeys. Many attempt dangerous sea crossings in overcrowded boats, risking shipwrecks and drowning. Others travel overland through Latin America toward the United States, facing assaults, robbery, and detention along the way. Despite these risks, desperation drives thousands to take the journey. 

XI. Conclusion: Migration as the Only Option 
The combination of gang violence and humanitarian collapse has left Haitians with no choice but to flee. With daily life dominated by fear, hunger, and state failure, migration becomes the only means of survival. Until the government regains control and humanitarian aid addresses the crisis, Haiti’s citizens will continue to risk everything to seek refuge abroad.