Armed Gunmen Target Haiti's Saint-Hélène Orphanage: Eight Missing
In a grim reminder of the escalating violence plaguing Haiti, at least eight individuals—including an Irish missionary and a young child—are unaccounted for following a brutal attack on the Saint-Hélène orphanage in the Kenscoff neighborhood near Port-au-Prince. The assault unfolded early Sunday morning, forcing authorities into a rapid response to safeguard the dozens of children and staff residing at the facility.
Orphanage Run by International Charity Amid Growing Threats
Saint-Hélène, operated by Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs—an international nonprofit headquartered in Mexico and France—provides shelter and care for over 240 children. The charity has long been a beacon in a country where social services are often limited, particularly for vulnerable youth. Yet, the surge in gang violence now threatens the safety within the very walls meant to protect these children.
Abduction of Irish Missionary Gena Heraty Deepens Concern
Among those missing is Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary with a dedicated history in Haiti dating back to 1993. She leads the orphanage’s special needs program, supporting children and adults with disabilities. Heraty’s abduction is particularly resonant given her past traumatic experience; in 2013, she survived a violent attack that killed a colleague and left her shaken. Her family's statement conveyed profound devastation and escalating worry about the current situation.
Violence Rooted in Gang Control of the Region
The Saint-Hélène orphanage lies within an area controlled by Viv Ansanm, a federation of armed gangs that the U.S. government designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the recent attack, the presence of Viv Ansanm has long destabilized local communities, exacerbating fears and limiting mobility.
Evacuations and the Impact on Local Communities
The aftermath of the attack has forced authorities, including Haiti’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research and UNICEF, to identify safe relocation sites for children and staff alike. The region, known for its lush yet steep terrain, has seen farmers like 41-year-old Sala Désire forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods amidst rampant gunfire and insecurity.
- Farmers and residents are fleeing en masse to escape the violence disrupting daily life and local economies.
- The attack underscores how gang violence extends beyond urban strongholds, impacting even previously peaceful suburbs like Kenscoff.
Historical Context: Rising Kidnappings and Regional Instability
Kidnappings in Haiti have dramatically increased, with at least 175 people abducted between April and June 2025 alone, according to United Nations reports. Notably, 37% of these incidents occurred in Port-au-Prince, reflecting the capital’s vulnerability. Notorious gangs such as Grand Ravine and Village de Dieu, components of the Viv Ansanm coalition, are primarily blamed for this surge in lawlessness.
Sunday’s attack echoes a high-profile 2021 kidnapping where the 400 Mawozo gang held 17 missionaries captive, some for over two months, spotlighting the persistent risks faced by foreign aid workers and local caregivers in Haiti.
International Reactions and Calls for Justice
Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris issued a statement expressing deep concern and urging the swift release of Heraty and the other missing individuals. His comments reflect a broader international alarm over Haiti’s security crisis and its ramifications for humanitarian efforts.
What This Means for Haiti’s Humanitarian Landscape
The increasing frequency of violent incursions into humanitarian spaces poses critical questions about the safety of vulnerable populations and the future viability of aid work in Haiti. As gang factions entrench their power, the challenge to deliver essential social services grows more daunting.
- How can international organizations adapt to provide aid without exposing staff and beneficiaries to heightened risks?
- What long-term policy measures can the Haitian government and international community implement to dismantle gang networks?
- What role can regional cooperation play in addressing cross-border criminal activities exacerbating Haiti’s instability?
Editor’s Note
This harrowing incident at the Saint-Hélène orphanage forms part of a troubling pattern of violence undermining Haiti’s social fabric. The involvement of an experienced missionary like Gena Heraty highlights both the dedication of humanitarian workers and the perilous context in which they operate. Beyond the immediate tragedy lies a pressing need for coordinated strategies that not only relieve suffering but also confront the root causes of insecurity. Readers are encouraged to follow ongoing developments critically, recognizing the complex interplay between local realities and international responses shaping Haiti’s future.
