UNICEF reports 70% surge in child recruitment by armed groups in Haiti

The United Nations Children's Fund says the number of children being recruited into armed groups across Haiti has increased by 70 per cent over the past year.

It said the unprecedented spike also reveals the alarming deterioration of child protection amid escalating violence in the Caribbean nation.

According to the latest estimates, children now comprise up to half of all armed group members, with recruitment driven by widespread poverty, lack of education, and collapse of essential services.