The United Nations is highlighting the urgent need for international support in Haiti to address the escalating gang violence in the country. The U.N. rights expert for Haiti stated that between 4,000 and 5,000 international police are needed to help combat the “catastrophic” situation. This call for assistance comes after a report produced by the U.N. Human Rights Office outlined the dire conditions in Haiti, where corruption, impunity, and poor governance have contributed to a state of near-collapse. Gangs have been targeting key institutions and individuals, with a significant increase in violence resulting in a high number of casualties.
The report also highlighted the recruitment and abuse of children by gangs, including incidents of sexual violence used as a means of control. The number of people killed or injured as a result of gang violence has risen significantly, with thousands of casualties reported in recent months. In response to the escalating violence, some communities have formed “self-defense brigades” to take matters into their own hands, leading to instances of vigilante justice and lynching. The report emphasized the need for a multinational security mission to assist Haitian authorities in restoring order and curbing the flow of weapons to gangs.
The situation in Haiti has deteriorated to the point where key institutions, such as hospitals and schools, are under attack from gangs. The report documented a series of assaults on hospitals, schools, and prisons carried out by armed groups. Gangs have also targeted human rights defenders, journalists, and others perceived as threats, leading to a climate of fear and insecurity. Children are increasingly being used by gangs for various activities, including frontline attacks, indicating a disturbing trend of youth involvement in violence.
The closure of critical infrastructure such as the airport and roads has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, leaving millions of people on the brink of famine. The number of internally displaced persons has risen sharply, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes due to the violence. Urgent action is required to address the insecurity in the country, with the deployment of an international security force being a top priority. Additionally, the establishment of a transitional presidential council is seen as crucial for governance stability and security operations in Haiti.
Efforts to mobilize international support for Haiti have been ongoing since the country requested assistance in combating gang violence in 2022. The U.N. Secretary-General has appealed for a multinational force to be deployed in Haiti, but progress has been slow. The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, with vulnerable populations facing increasing violence and displacement. The need for immediate intervention to address the security crisis in Haiti is paramount to prevent further loss of life and violations of human rights.
