Gang violence in Haiti has surged, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 individuals, a significant number of whom are children.
The situation has escalated dramatically, with armed factions launching frequent attacks, including raids on law enforcement facilities and the international airport. Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned on March 11 against this backdrop.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, decried these actions, labeling them as “outrageous” and demanding their immediate cessation.
A UN report characterizes the state of affairs in Haiti as “cataclysmic,” detailing 4,451 killings last year and an additional 1,554 deaths recorded through March 22, 2024.
The violence takes various forms, from targeted assassinations in homes to street shootings and crossfire incidents. Shockingly, even infants have fallen victim to this brutality.
Amidst the absence of effective law enforcement, armed groups have taken the law into their own hands, resorting to lynching suspected gang affiliates. Last year, 528 such individuals were killed in this manner, with 59 more added to the tally this year.
Children are increasingly being coerced into gang activities, with boys involved in criminal operations and girls subjected to domestic servitude or espionage. Those attempting to flee often face execution.
The report highlights a concerning trend of escalating violence, including killings, kidnappings, and sexual assaults, particularly targeting women and young girls. It urges the swift deployment of an international security force supported by the UN.
It calls for enhanced monitoring of cargo entering Haiti, aimed at curbing the influx of smuggled weapons, despite existing UN embargoes.
Volker Turk expressed dismay over the ongoing flow of arms into the country despite its dire circumstances. The situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Haiti.
