Press Release

The Haitian Ladies Network stands with the families and communities affected by the brutal violence in Kenscoff on August 23, 2026. We are grieving the lives lost. We are thinking of the people who were injured, the families who have been separated, and those who were forced to leave their homes in search of safety.

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According to preliminary information documented by the Réseau National de Défense des Droits Humains, at least 45 people were killed, 23 were injured, more than 50 people were reportedly abducted, and numerous homes were burned. These figures are still being verified. Behind every number is a person. A mother. A father. A child. A neighbor. A family whose life changed in a single night.

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We are especially concerned for women, children, pregnant women, older adults, and people living with vulnerabilities who face displacement without adequate protection or access to basic support. Haitian women have carried families and communities through some of the hardest moments in our nation’s history. We should never have to accept violence against civilians as a normal part of Haitian life.

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We call on Haitian authorities and all relevant institutions to act with urgency.

• Protect civilians in Kenscoff and the surrounding communities.
• Ensure safe passage and meaningful assistance for displaced families.
• Account for every person who has been abducted or remains missing.
• Document the killings, kidnappings, destruction of homes, and other violations.
• Pursue those responsible through due process and the justice system.
• Provide immediate support to women, children, older adults, and others facing heightened risks.
• Keep families and the public informed with accurate and verified information.

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We also ask members of the Haitian diaspora to respond with care. Verify information before sharing it. Protect the dignity and privacy of victims and their families. Support trusted organizations providing humanitarian assistance. Reach out to family and friends in affected communities. Our response as a community to violence must center human life and human dignity.

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To every family grieving in Kenscoff, we see your pain. To those searching for loved ones, we stand with you. And to those who have been displaced, your safety and dignity matter.

The Haitian Ladies Network will continue to raise the voices of Haitian women and families, support informed action, and advocate for a Haiti where every person has the right to live, work, raise a family, and move through their community without fear.

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We mourn those we lost. We stand with those who are suffering. We demand action to protect those who remain.

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