New data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released this week show that Haiti's displacement crisis is spreading beyond the capital, with some of the country's sharpest increases now occurring in regions that were once considered relatively safer.
The latest assessment identified nearly 1.5 million internally displaced people across the country and points to a significant shift in where displacement is concentrated: nearly 80 per cent are now located outside Port-au-Prince, as violence continues to spread into other parts of Haiti.
"What we are witnessing in Haiti is not a crisis that moves from emergency to recovery. Violence, displacement, food insecurity, forced returns and climate risks are all unfolding at the same time, placing enormous pressure on families and communities," said Elise Verron, Senior Emergency Coordinator with IOM Haiti. "The displacement trends show that this crisis is expanding geographically. Communities that were already struggling to meet their own needs are now carrying an even greater burden."
The most significant increase was recorded in the Artibonite department between May and August 2026 where displacement rose by 16 per cent over the past three months. Once considered a refuge for families fleeing violence elsewhere, parts of Artibonite are now experiencing escalating insecurity, forcing new waves of displacement and further reducing safe options for affected populations.
Recent violence in Kenscoff, near the capital, also underscores the continued volatility of the situation. Armed attacks displaced more than 4,000 persons, with reports of homes burned, kidnappings and loss of life. Most of those affected have sought refuge with host families or across six displacement sites in neighbouring areas of Port-au-Prince.
The worsening displacement situation comes as Haiti remains exposed to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and landslides during the Atlantic hurricane season. Hundreds of thousands of displaced persons are currently living in host communities, informal settlements, collective sites or other precarious conditions, increasing their vulnerability to extreme weather events.
"For families already displaced by violence, a major storm could trigger another humanitarian emergency," said Verron. "Many households have few resources to withstand additional shocks, and communities hosting displaced families are already under considerable strain."
The assessment also highlights mounting pressures in border departments, where local authorities and host communities are responding simultaneously to internal displacement and the arrival of Haitians returned from neighbouring countries. This convergence of needs is placing additional strain on housing, health services, water systems and other essential resources.
Although returns have increased in some areas, many families continue to face difficult conditions, with insecurity, limited livelihood opportunities and inadequate access to basic services limiting prospects for sustainable recovery.
Under its crisis response plan, IOM is appealing for USD 60 million to reach 6.4 million people. The Organization is calling for sustained investment to provide life-saving assistance and support recovery, strengthen local systems and help communities withstand the combined impacts of insecurity, displacement and climate-related shocks.
