To really highlight the orphanage issue, I'll note that over 80% of children living in orphanages have living families, and the majority of orphanages in Haiti—over 700 orphanages—are operating illegally.
The current situation in Haiti has increased the risk, first of all, of children becoming separated from their families and being placed in orphanages because of the level of vulnerability of families.
Second of all, there is an increased risk of child trafficking occurring through orphanages. In particular, orphanages located in and around Port-au-Prince are relocating due to violence. However, an already fragile situation of orphanages not being closely monitored is essentially increasing the risk of child trafficking when orphanages relocate. That also increases the risk of those children becoming further disconnected from their biological families.
There is currently a need to increase focus on family reunification and the monitoring of orphanages, while also encouraging funds to be funnelled into the country such that they truly go through child protection authorities and partners supporting families and communities, as opposed to institutions.