An Irish aid worker, Gena Heraty, and seven other people, including a three-year-old child, have been freed after nearly a month of being kidnapped in Haiti.
Heraty, who ran the Our Little Brothers and Sisters orphanage, was kidnapped on August 3 along with seven Haitians.
Her family expressed relief and deep gratitude to all those who helped secure their release. “We are deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who have worked tirelessly during these difficult weeks to assist in their safe return,” they said in a statement.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, welcomed the release in a post on social media. "We are very pleased that Gena and the seven others, including a young child, have been released and are reported to be well and safe," he said. Harris also highlighted the determination and resilience of the Heraty family during this difficult time.
Gena Heraty lived in Haiti for 32 years and cared for about 270 children at the Kenscoff orphanage. The situation in Haiti remains very difficult, as the main city has been under the control of armed gangs since the beginning of 2024. Clashes between gangs and security forces, kidnappings and violent crime are widespread in the country.
Authorities have also used armed drones and foreign mercenaries to try to regain control, while Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens to avoid travel to Haiti due to the extremely unsafe situation.
The kidnappers attacked the building where Heraty was staying at around 3:30 a.m. and took nine people hostage. Some sources link the group of kidnappers to the criminal coalition "Viv Ansanm", which has caused chaos in the Haitian capital.
