The attackers are believed to be gang members, with local reports describing the abduction as a calculated assault, as the intruders entered the premises by breaking through a wall. Currently, no ransom demands or specific requests have been reported, and Ireland's foreign affairs department is offering consular assistance in the case.
Heraty, originally from Liscarney, County Mayo, is renowned for her humanitarian work and has received multiple accolades, including the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award. She previously expressed her commitment to Haiti despite increasing violence, stating, "The children are why I'm still here. We're in this together."
Kenscoff, situated on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, has been increasingly plagued by violent gang activities, with criminal organizations controlling significant parts of the capital. Efforts by the Haitian police and their allies to combat this issue have so far proven inadequate, as armed groups continue to hold power over much of the area.
Haiti's security situation has deteriorated sharply, with the UN estimating that armed groups control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, resulting in ongoing incidents of kidnappings. Just a month ago, six UNICEF employees were abducted in an area dominated by these gangs.
The escalating gang violence has led to more than one million people being internally displaced in Haiti, a substantial increase from the previous year. The UN warns that families are facing severe hardships as they are forced to live in precarious conditions, grappling with health risks and lack of protection. The turmoil continues to destabilize the nation, as highlighted by reports of over 350 kidnappings in the first half of 2025 alone, and a total of 3,141 homicide cases reported within the same timeframe.
This vicious cycle of violence and crime poses an urgent humanitarian crisis for Haiti and its citizens.
Heraty, originally from Liscarney, County Mayo, is renowned for her humanitarian work and has received multiple accolades, including the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award. She previously expressed her commitment to Haiti despite increasing violence, stating, "The children are why I'm still here. We're in this together."
Kenscoff, situated on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, has been increasingly plagued by violent gang activities, with criminal organizations controlling significant parts of the capital. Efforts by the Haitian police and their allies to combat this issue have so far proven inadequate, as armed groups continue to hold power over much of the area.
Haiti's security situation has deteriorated sharply, with the UN estimating that armed groups control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, resulting in ongoing incidents of kidnappings. Just a month ago, six UNICEF employees were abducted in an area dominated by these gangs.
The escalating gang violence has led to more than one million people being internally displaced in Haiti, a substantial increase from the previous year. The UN warns that families are facing severe hardships as they are forced to live in precarious conditions, grappling with health risks and lack of protection. The turmoil continues to destabilize the nation, as highlighted by reports of over 350 kidnappings in the first half of 2025 alone, and a total of 3,141 homicide cases reported within the same timeframe.
This vicious cycle of violence and crime poses an urgent humanitarian crisis for Haiti and its citizens.
