The United Nations issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that at least 3,661 people have been killed in Haiti since January, as the nation continues to be ravaged by gang violence. The UN highlighted the critical shortage of equipment and personnel within the multinational police mission.
“No more lives should be lost to this senseless criminality,” emphasized Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement accompanying the release of a report.
The latest data compiled by the High Commissioner reveals that the violence marks “the highest levels seen since 2023.” The report, which covers the period from January to June, indicates that at least 860 individuals were killed and 393 injured during police operations and patrols in Port-au-Prince, including at least 36 children. This situation “may constitute excessive, unjustified, and disproportionate use of force,” according to the UN.
The fight against insecurity in Haiti must be prioritized, asserts the UN, urging both Haitian authorities and the international community to take more vigorous action to prevent further suffering.
Haiti has long endured the scourge of violent criminal gangs; however, in recent months, the violence has intensified, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, with nearly 600,000 individuals reported displaced, according to the UN.
In October 2023, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), led by Kenya, to assist the Haitian police.
The High Commissioner welcomed “recent positive steps, such as the establishment of a Transitional Presidential Council, the new transitional government and the deployment of the first contingents of the MSS.”
However, he stated, “It is clear, however, that the mission needs adequate and sufficient equipment and personnel to counter the criminal gangs effectively and sustainably, and stop them spreading further and wreaking havoc on people’s lives,” according to Volker Türk.
Kenyan President William Ruto assured the UN assembly in New York on Thursday that his country would complete the deployment of an additional 2,500 police officers for the MMAS “by January 2025.”
