Violence in Haiti: Eight missing after armed raid on orphanage

Tuesday 05 August 2025 - 10:00

At least eight people, including a well-known Irish missionary and a young child, are missing after armed men attacked the Saint-Hélène orphanage in the Kenscoff area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The facility, operated by the international charity Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs, provides care to over 240 vulnerable children.

The orphanage, supported by offices in Mexico and France, became the target of an early Sunday morning raid. Authorities believe the attackers may be linked to the gang coalition Viv Ansanm, a group classified earlier this year as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.

Emergency efforts are underway to relocate dozens of children and staff members from the area due to ongoing security threats.

Among those kidnapped is Gena Heraty, a long-time missionary from Ireland who has worked in Haiti since 1993. She leads the special needs program at the orphanage. Heraty has been a prominent advocate for children with disabilities and previously survived a violent break-in in 2013 that resulted in the death of a colleague.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Officials are urging international support to protect humanitarian workers and children in a nation grappling with deepening gang violence and political instability.