Nine Abducted from Orphanage in Haiti: Community Highlights Ongoing Crisis

The kidnapping incident at the Sainte-Hélène orphanage near Port-au-Prince has drawn attention to Haiti's escalating crisis, with various gangs seizing control of key areas in the capital. Gena Heraty, the orphanage director, has committed herself to the welfare of local children amidst deteriorating safety conditions, underscoring the deepening humanitarian issues in Haiti.

Nine individuals, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were abducted from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince, on Sunday, according to local officials. Gena Heraty, the director of the facility, was reportedly among the hostages taken during a well-organized raid in the early morning hours. The attack occurred without gunfire, indicating a planned operation by the perpetrators, who breached the orphanage’s walls to gain entry.

The facility houses over 240 children, many of whom require special care. Following the incident, Haitian Mayor Massillon Jean affirmed that seven employees along with one child were also kidnapped. While the Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste attributes the crime to local gang activities, no ransom demands have been made so far.

Heraty, originally from County Mayo, has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts in Haiti since 1993, receiving accolades, including the prestigious Oireachtas Human Dignity Award. Despite recognizing the grave risks posed by increasing gang violence, she previously stated that her commitment to the children remains her top priority.

The region of Kenscoff, situated on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, has seen a surge in gang incursions, with armed criminal entities controlling a significant portion of the city. Ongoing efforts by Haitian police and international partners, including collaborations with Kenyan police and the utilization of weaponized drones, have failed to rein in the growing influence of these gangs.

As reported by the United Nations, the humanitarian situation in Haiti has become dire. In the first half of 2025, nearly 350 kidnappings occurred, and at least 3,141 people were reported killed during the same timeframe. The surge in gang activity has not only destabilized urban areas but has also led to the displacement of approximately 1.3 million people, exacerbating the struggles of families living in makeshift shelters.

This incident highlights a broader crisis, revealing the urgent need for intervention as families amid the chaos fight to survive against mounting health and safety risks.