3rd October 2026

More than 5,700 people have been killed or wounded in Haiti so far this year, and over 1,000 women and girls have been raped, and 230 people are known to have been kidnapped, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said yesterday. Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Turk warned that gangs continue to expand despite the deployment of an international security force intended to help Haitian authorities restore order. More than half of the of casualties occurred as a consequence of security operations against gangs, with hundreds hit by stray bullets and explosive drones. Türk said gangs "continue to adapt and expand", and are developing "a strategy of seizing new territory and key transport routes, threatening stability".  Children are also being caught up in the violence with  recruited by gangs having "nearly tripled", as joining a gang "can be the only means of survival". A multinational police force has been operating in Haiti since 2025 but it has struggled to even enter areas where gangs havea stronghold.

Loving God, we ask for your protection for our neighbours living in Haiti as gang violence, government instability, and food insecurity continue to blight their lives. Comfort all who mourn the deaths of people they love and are heart broken that their children have joined violent gangs. Guide the police and security forces to bring law, order and stability to this frctured nation. Be alongside and grant your  wisdom to international partners who are supporting Haiti in seeking peace. May our Haitian neighbours will find hope in you, so that they may overcome their seemingly insurmountable challenges. But we thank you that what is impossible for people, is possible for you, loving God.  In the lives of the people of Haiti we pray that your will shall be done as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, we pray. Amen.

Alexander Adams, 31, set off on 12 September from Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, UK, and over the next two weeks walked the 223km Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury Cathedral, rising funds for the UK children's support charity, the Children’s Society. Alexander said that when he had been teaching in Hong Kong he had seen first-hand the struggles that some children went through. “I realised I wanted to do more to help. Once I got back, I decided that walking the Pilgrims’ Way would be a great way to raise money and make a difference.”  He added, “The Children’s Society really stuck out to me. The work they do with vulnerable children is really amazing, and I just wanted to pitch in however I could; so here I am.” Alexander took a collection box with him and has raised more than £1,376 so far through cash and online donations. “There have been some amazing people along the way who have been incredibly generous with their time and support,” he said. “Everyone I met was really encouraging, and I am so grateful to have had that kind of community around me.” 

You can make a contribution to Adam's pilgrimage by clicking here.

You can find out more about the work of the Children's Society here.

From the rising of the sun to its setting

may your name be praised

almighty God.

We worship you, creator God,

you light the day with the sun

and the night with the stars.

We glorify you loving God,

you light our lives with

the light of the world,

Jesus Christ the Lord.

We thank you merciful God,

you brought us out of darkness

into your marvellous light.

We praise you generous God,

you have placed a flame of love within us

by your Holy Spirit

that we might be lights in the world

God of light and love,

from the rising of the sun to its setting

we will praise your glorious name.

Amen.