Population figures
Total country population
11,867,030
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
5
Asylum-seekers:
0
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
578,074
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
0
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
5
Country context
Haiti occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, bordered by the Dominican Republic to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Haiti is currently experiencing a significant internal displacement crisis. As of mid-2024, gang violence and political instability has displaced over a substantial number of people within the country, making Haiti one of the nations with the largest number of internally displaced persons globally. Many of these displaced individuals reside in urban areas, particularly in and around the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions such as Leogane and the South. Many are hosted by local communities or reside in makeshift shelters, including schools and sports facilities, where access to basic services is limited. The displacement is primarily due to escalating gang violence, which has led to widespread insecurity and the breakdown of public order.
Haiti is both a source and transit country for refugees and asylum-seekers. The number of Haitian refugees and asylum-seekers has increased significantly, with many undertaking perilous journeys across the Americas and the Caribbean. These individuals often face heightened risks during their travels, including exposure to violence and exploitation. The primary countries of asylum for Haitian nationals include the United States, Mexico, and various nations in South and Central America.
...Statelessness is a concern in Haiti, particularly among individuals of Haitian descent born in the Dominican Republic. Changes in nationality laws in the Dominican Republic have rendered many individuals stateless, as they are no longer recognised as nationals of either country. These stateless individuals often face challenges in accessing basic rights and services, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Efforts to address statelessness have been ongoing, with a focus on legal reforms and international cooperation.
Haiti is a party to various international instruments aimed at protecting the rights of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The country has ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, which establish the legal standards for the treatment of refugees. Haiti has also acceded to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, committing to measures that prevent and reduce statelessness.
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