On September 29, 2024, the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a report highlighting the urgent need for tougher measures to combat escalating gang violence in Haiti, which has led to over 3,660 deaths since January.
Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, emphasized that no more lives should be lost to this senseless criminality. He welcomed the establishment of a new Transitional Presidential Council and the deployment of the first contingent of the Multinational Security Support Mission, led by Kenyan police. However, he noted that current resources are inadequate to effectively counter the gangs.
The report details severe human rights violations in Port-au-Prince, including at least 860 killings and 393 injuries, with children being among the victims of police operations. It reveals that gang violence is spreading beyond the capital, threatening food security as farmers abandon land due to extortion.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the high commissioner, stated that gangs are using sexual violence as a tool of control, and the situation has led to alarming levels of gender-based violence. The gangs are demanding political influence and threatening increased violence if their demands are not met.
Türk urged the international community to enforce a targeted arms embargo and other measures to curb the violence, while also calling for the protection of children and efforts to combat sexual violence.
Haiti has faced escalating turmoil since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, with armed gangs now controlling significant portions of the country.