As Haiti deals with food and water shortages, many Haitians arrested under suspicion of crimes like theft or robbery are starving to death in jail.

The UN says 185 inmates died in Haiti last year, and over 20 have died so far in 2023, many from malnutrition-related diseases.

Over 80% of Haiti's nearly 11,500 inmates are in custody on pre-trial detention, which means they were arrested but not charged with a crime. It can be years before they ever see a judge.

A recent study found many male inmates are on a starvation-level diet of less than 500 calories per day. Outside of some prisons, lines of people can be found, waiting to drop off food and water for relatives or loved ones within.

The practice is dwindling though as rampant gang violence has driven prices up, making it difficult for many to afford even the cost of an extra meal's amount of rice.

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