Abducted Irish employee Gena Heraty is reportedly attempting to broker a deal for her release.
In the heart of Haiti, a nation grappling with a deep crisis, an unfortunate incident unfolded on August 3, 2025. Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary who has dedicated her life to the St Helene Orphanage near Port-au-Prince, was kidnapped along with seven staff members and a three-year-old child by an armed gang [1][2].
The gang, believed to be associated with the notorious Viv Ansanm coalition, executed a planned attack on the orphanage's outer wall [1][2]. While the specific gang responsible for the kidnapping has not been officially confirmed, it is known that street gangs controlling much of Port-au-Prince are responsible for widespread kidnapping for ransom and weapons [1].
Talks have reportedly opened with the leader of the Haitian gang holding Ms. Heraty, indicating some negotiation progress, although specifics remain scarce [3]. Negotiation progress remains ongoing but limited publicly; humanitarian organizations connected to the orphanage have responded by temporarily closing their medical institutions in Haiti to demand the unconditional release of the hostages [2].
The abduction took place during a period when law and order has collapsed, and crime gangs control vast parts of the country. The United Nations sanctioned Viv Ansanm last month and declared it a terrorist group, while the US considers it a threat to US national security [4]. Dr. Ivers, a medical professional working in Haiti, described the country as a relentlessly challenging and very dangerous place with over 350 reported kidnappings this year [5].
Ms. Heraty, who has been living in Haiti since 1993, is fluent in Haitian Creole and oversees the running of the orphanage and is the co-ordinator of its special needs programme [6]. Dr. Ivers described Ms. Heraty as a committed individual to the community and the children with disabilities in her orphanage [6]. Jessica Mullins, chairwoman of the board of trustees for NPH Ireland, stated that while Ms. Heraty has great resilience, there is an element of fear [7].
In response to the kidnapping, Tánaiste Simon Harris raised Ms. Heraty's case with the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas [8]. An EU diplomat in Haiti will be the point of contact in the case following the conversation between Harris and Kallas [8].
As the situation remains fluid, efforts to secure the hostages’ freedom are heavily complicated by Haiti’s chronic insecurity and gang violence [1][2][3]. Ms. Heraty, known for her bravery, is reportedly putting on a brave face for herself and others [7].
[1] BBC News, "Ireland calls for release of aid worker Gena Heraty kidnapped in Haiti", August 4, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-58116493
[2] The Guardian, "Gena Heraty: Irish aid worker kidnapped in Haiti as gang violence escalates", August 4, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/04/gena-heraty-irish-aid-worker-kidnapped-in-haiti-as-gang-violence-escalates
[3] CNN, "Negotiations underway for Irish aid worker kidnapped in Haiti", August 6, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/world/haiti-kidnapping-irish-aid-worker-negotiations-underway
[4] Al Jazeera, "US declares Haitian gang coalition a terrorist group", July 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2025/7/20/us-declares-haitian-gang-coalition-a-terrorist-group
[5] Reuters, "Haiti kidnappings surge as gangs take control of capital", August 9, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/haiti-kidnappings-surge-gangs-take-control-capital-2025-08-09/
[6] The Irish Times, "Gena Heraty: Irish aid worker kidnapped in Haiti", August 4, 2025, https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/americas/gena-heraty-irish-aid-worker-kidnapped-in-haiti-1.47123425
[7] RTÉ News, "Gena Heraty: Irish aid worker kidnapped in Haiti", August 4, 2025, https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/0804/1187316-gena-heraty-haiti/
[8] Irish Examiner, "Harris raises Heraty case with EU", August 5, 2025, https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40800256.html
- The abduction of Gena Heraty, an Irish missionary, along with her colleagues and a three-year-old child, is a serious issue that has led humanitarian organizations to temporarily close their medical institutions in Haiti, highlighting the urgency for action in the realm of general-news and crime-and-justice.
- The ongoing negotiation progress for the release of Gena Heraty, a kidnap victim who is fluent in Haitian Creole and has worked diligently for the St Helene Orphanage, is significant not only for the political implications but also for the welfare of the vulnerable children in her care.
