UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban made a four-day visit to Haiti last week. During an interview with Le Nouvelliste on Wednesday, March 19, he called on the international community not to turn a blind eye to Haiti as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. Mr. Chaiban stated that his visit allowed him to grasp the extent of the suffering of the country’s children and youth.

“Six million (6,000,000) Haitians, or half the population, are in need of humanitarian aid. Three million (3,000,000) children require assistance. The crisis has caused one million (1,000,000) displaced persons, including 500,000 children. Haitians are suffering from circumstances that are not their fault. This crisis is caused by armed groups with transnational interests. This dynamic must be addressed at the regional level, with regional support and national responsibility,” pleaded Chaiban.