Fact Check: Number of internally displaced people in Haiti tripled in 2024.

Fact Check: "Number of internally displaced people in Haiti tripled in 2024"

What We Know

The claim that the number of internally displaced people in Haiti tripled in 2024 is supported by data from the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM). According to their report, the number of internally displaced individuals rose from approximately 315,000 in December 2023 to over one million by January 2024, marking a threefold increase within a year (IOM). The situation is particularly severe in the capital, Port-au-Prince, where displacement has increased by 87% during the same period (BBC). The rise in displacement is attributed to escalating gang violence, which has led to a collapse of essential services and heightened food insecurity (IOM).

Analysis

The data provided by the IOM is credible, as it is a well-established organization that specializes in migration issues and has a presence in Haiti. Their figures indicate a significant humanitarian crisis, with over half of the displaced population being children (IOM). The report highlights that many individuals have been displaced multiple times due to the expanding territory controlled by gangs, which now dominate approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince (BBC).

Additionally, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) corroborates the increase in displacement, noting that violence has triggered a substantial urban exodus (IDMC). The reports from these reputable organizations provide a consistent narrative about the worsening situation in Haiti, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and security measures.

However, it is important to consider the potential for bias in reporting, especially from organizations that may have vested interests in humanitarian aid. Nonetheless, the data presented is consistent across multiple sources, reinforcing the validity of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the number of internally displaced people in Haiti tripled in 2024 is accurate, based on reliable data from the IOM and corroborated by other reputable sources. The significant increase in displacement is primarily due to escalating gang violence and the resulting humanitarian crisis, which has severely impacted the population, particularly children.