They release Haiti to Irish missionary and seven hostages, including a 3 -year -old boy

With “deep gratitude and relief beyond what words can express”, the humanitarian organization Our little brothers and sisters (Our little brothers) (NPH), a local partner of Manos United, confirmed the release of the eight hostages that remained kidnapped since last August 3 in Haiti.

Among them were a 3 -year -old boy and the Irish Missionary Layena Gena Heraty, who for more than 30 years has dedicated their lives to children with disabilities in Haiti.

Herraty, 58, is the director of NPH special needs programs and a reference in work with minors in the Caribbean country since 1993. He is also responsible for the Orphanage of Santa Elena managed by NPH and located in the commune of Kenscoff, about 10 km southeast of the capital, Port -au -Prince.

Several employees and even 3 -year -old boy were taken by force

Precisely there the kidnapping took place on August 3, when an armed group broke into the facilities and took several employees and the 3 -year -old child. All of them have been released after weeks of great tension and uncertainty.

In a statement released on Friday through NPH, Heraty’s family confirmed that the missionary and other hostages had been released: “We are relieved beyond words. We are deeply grateful to all, at Haiti already an international level, which have worked tirelessly during these terrible weeks to guarantee their safe return.”

From NPH they thanked the coordination of people, institutions and communities, both local and international, “who have provided support and solidarity in these weeks of crisis” and have intervened in liberation.

The names of Haitian nationals have not been disseminated for security

In addition, they confirmed that the hostages “are safe, receiving medical and psychological care and together with their loved ones.” Also to Haitian nationals, whose names have not been publicly disseminated for security reasons.

One of the organization’s workers stressed: “Despite everything that happened, Gena has always remained strong. As soon as she returned, she was direct to greet the children. They all cried: the little ones and the staff were waiting for her with open arms.”

“The global expression of concern, love, prayers and solidarity shown by friends, neighbors, communities, colleagues and even people without any connection with us, has been an immense source of comfort and support,” he said.

However, “although today we thank for your return, we know that the recovery process will be long.”

Liberation comes after weeks of anguish and deep uncertainty, and after the call made by Pope Leo XIV in the Angelus on August 10 for the immediate liberation of the hostages.

At the moment there are no rescue demands or the armed group responsible for the kidnapping have been identified. The Haitian newspaper The Nouvelliste He informed that it is believed that members of a band were responsible for the attack.

85% prince port, in the hands of armed groups

The violence of gangs and kidnappings are also common in other areas within and around Port -au -Prince, where, according to the UN, armed groups control around 85% of the city.

In the first six months of 2025, according to the figures managed by the UN, almost 350 people were kidnapped in Haiti.