In a distressing surge of violence that has gripped Haiti, the St. Martial Minor Seminary School, administered by the Spiritan Fathers, became the latest victim of criminal gang activity on April 1, 2024. The Haitian Conference of Religious (CDH) expressed outrage as attackers set the seminary's computer room ablaze and ransacked its library, underscoring the dire situation that has seen state and private properties targeted indiscriminately. The assault on this historic institution marks a new low in the weeks-long wave of violence afflicting the nation.

The same day witnessed a bold but unsuccessful attempt by gangs to storm the National Palace, the seat of Haiti's presidency, thwarted by police and security forces, though not without casualties among officials. This series of events highlights the escalating crisis in Haiti, where crime gangs wielding significant control over the capital have plunged the country into turmoil.

The CDH, reflecting on the violence, conveyed its profound dismay at the "dizzying chaotic situation" enveloping Haiti, emphasizing the impact on communities and the impediment to normal life due to pervasive insecurity. Father Morachel Bonhomme, CDH president, called for intensified prayers during Holy Week, aiming to support those besieged by the relentless violence.

Amid this crisis, the United Nations has stepped in, advocating for "immediate and bold action" to rescue Haiti from the brink of collapse. On March 28, the UN highlighted the near-disintegration of the rule of law, with state institutions facing imminent collapse. The call to prioritize security and safeguard the legal institutions was emphasized by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, pointing to the alarming rise in violence and human suffering in recent times. The statistics are grim, with significant increases in deaths and injuries reported in 2023 and continuing into 2024, alongside an upsurge in sexual violence by gangs, most of which goes unreported and unpunished.

In light of these challenges, UNICEF has underscored the critical role of education in fostering peace and stability in Haiti. The agency stressed that amidst the growing conflicts and instability, education is not merely optional but essential for survival and social stability.

The international community, along with Haitian religious and civic leaders, is calling for decisive action to stem the tide of violence and restore order in Haiti. The need for a comprehensive approach that includes bolstering security, ensuring accountability for crimes, and prioritizing education and social welfare has never been more urgent.