UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned this Wednesday in Port-au-Prince that Haiti suffers the most severe humanitarian crisis in the Western Hemisphere due to rampant gang violence and developed nations’ financial indifference.

During an official state visit to Port-au-Prince on June 17, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, declared that Haiti is currently experiencing the most severe multidimensional crisis in the Western Hemisphere.

According to Guterres, the emergency represents the third-worst humanitarian catastrophe globally, surpassed only by the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Sudan. Guterres confirmed that exactly 6.4 million people inside the Caribbean nation are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

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The UN chief identified systemic insecurity as the root cause of the national emergency, which is fueled by heavily armed criminal gangs that actively terrorize local communities. This wave of organized violence has caused the forced internal displacement of 1.5 million people who have fled their homes to escape the conflict zones.

Furthermore, Guterres reported that 6 million people face severe food insecurity, with millions surviving on just one meal per day.

For the first time in many years, Haiti has a chance to turn a corner – but only if the international community assumes its responsibilities.

My appeal from Haiti to the world:

Step up. Fund the humanitarian response. Support Haitian institutions & the Gang Suppression Force.… pic.twitter.com/KvhHin2vgb

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 17, 2026

The Human Rights situation has deteriorated rapidly, particularly for vulnerable groups. Guterres detailed that more than 20 women and girls are sexually assaulted daily by criminal factions. Additionally, gangs have tripled their recruitment of children, meaning that 50% of all active gang members are now minors. Guterres lamented that for the Haitian population, daily life has transformed into a desperate struggle for survival.

International Indifference

Addressing the international press, Guterres condemned the fact that the UN humanitarian response plan for Haiti remains the most underfunded assistance program on Earth. To date, wealthy international donors have provided only 24% of the required 880 million dollars needed to address the immediate emergency, representing a massive deficit that paralyzes relief operations. Guterres characterized the general attitude of wealthy nations as “shameful“, stating that the world has looked away for far too long.

Despite the critical situation, the UN chief recognized minor institutional advancements, such as the reclamation of several neighborhoods in downtown Port-au-Prince by state security forces. Additionally, the Council of Ministers recently convened at the National Palace for the first time in over three years, symbolizing a progressive return of state institutions. Guterres noted that the UN-approved Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which authorizes a maximum deployment of 5500 troops, offers a real opportunity to restore state authority.

“I came to Haiti with a simple message: you are not alone.”

Visiting a displacement camp, @antonioguterres called for greater support to help Haitians enduring violence, insecurity & hunger.

"This is the moment in which the international community needs to mobilize.” pic.twitter.com/SpCwpDaKr6

— United Nations (@UN) June 16, 2026

Global South Solidarity

However, Guterres pointed out a stark geopolitical imbalance in the composition of the international security mission. While developing nations like Chad, Jamaica and Bangladesh have committed personnel to the security forces, developed nations have failed to contribute actual troops or adequate financial support. The Secretary-General urged wealthy nations to stop ignoring their international obligations and actively participate in the stabilization of the Caribbean nation.

The UN Secretary-General concluded his visit by emphasizing that Haiti is not begging for charity, but demanding that the international community honors its historical promises. The current crisis highlights the urgent need for a coordinated global response that prioritizes Human Rights and sovereignty over geopolitical indifference.

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