Gang violence rates have recently risen in Haiti. A team from BBC news was sent to the grounds of Haiti and were being shot at by members and leaders of the Haiti gangs. Disturbingly, bodies were set on fire and mother’s are petrified losing sleep watching over their loved ones, afraid they are going to lose them. A Gang leader was interviewed and was getting very defensive about his crimes and his actions.

“More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, with limited access to basic services…” (“What is Haiti’s economic situation?”).

“Since its independence from France Haiti’s development has been menaced by forces that run the gamut, include interference of foreign powers, etc” (“How have recent US administration approached a Haiti?”).

“Under Obama, the United States led international responses to Haiti’s crises” (“How have recent US administrations approached Haiti?”).

“In the late 1700’s Toussaint L’ouverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines both formerly enslaved, led a rebellion against French rule that culvninated with the creation of Haiti in 1804”(“What are Haiti’s origins?”).

“Freedom from France in 1804 did not mean an end to foreign powers intervening in Haiti. France only recognized an independent Haiti in 1825 after its former colony agreed to pay reparations that are estimated to be worth $21 billion…80% Haiti’s revenues went to pay off debt” (“Why has Haiti had such difficulty developing?”).

“In the end, the United States agreed to provide $124 million in support of the project” (Johnston 128).

“In September 2011, the government created an “advisory board” of politicians, business leaders, and bankers that would help promote Haiti as a “more friendly place and attract foreign investment” (Johnston 129).

“Most of the billions in aid were in the hands of foreigners, and the so-called trickled down aid economy was leading the recovery of Haiti” (Johnston 174).

“The services, however, were not really for most Haitians but for the many thousand of foreigners who came to Haiti after the earthquake” (Johnston 174).

“…A single gang attack last week…leaving 115 people dead and at least 16 others seriously wounded” (“Haiti’s gangs luring more children into crime and sexual abuse, HRW says, as 115 people killed in an attack”).

“Criminal groups control 80% of Port-au-prince, and HRW say joining the gangs is often the only option children have to obtain food and shelter” (“Haiti’s gangs luring more children into crime and sexual abuse, HRW says, as 115 people killed in an attack”).

“A humanitarian worker in the country told HRW the gangs are using social media…to attract young recruits” (“Haiti’s gangs luring more children into crime and sexual abuse, HRW says, as 115 people killed in an attack”).

“‘They tell them that they are their girlfriends and that they must obey them, but in reality, they exploit them for their pleasure and consumption” (“Haiti’s gangs luring more children into crime and sexual abuse, HRW says, as 115 people killed in an attack”).

(“Haiti country profile”).