Irish Missionary and Child Kidnapped in Haiti Orphanage Raid

Irish Missionary and Child Kidnapped in Haiti

Nine people, including Irish missionary Gena Heraty and a three-year-old child, were kidnapped from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, near Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on Sunday.

Details of the Kidnapping

The attackers broke into the orphanage around 3:30 AM, breaching a wall to gain entry. Seven employees of the orphanage, which cares for over 240 children, were also abducted.

Response and Background

No ransom demands have been made. Ms. Heraty, who has lived in Haiti since 1993, confirmed her kidnapping. The Irish foreign affairs department is providing consular assistance. She is renowned for her humanitarian work despite the growing gang violence in the region.

Haiti's Crisis

Kenscoff has been severely impacted by gang violence. The UN reports that gang violence has displaced over one million people within Haiti, highlighting the country's escalating crisis.

Gang violence and kidnappings are also common in other areas in and around Port-au-Prince, where the UN says armed groups control about 85% of the city.