More than 1,600 individuals lost their lives to gang-related violence in Haiti during the first quarter of 2025. The United Nations has described this situation as extremely concerning, highlighting mass crimes, kidnappings, and violence against women, among other critical issues, in a report released on Wednesday.
From January 1 to March 31, at least 1,617 people were killed, and 580 others were injured in conflicts involving gangs, self-defense groups, community members, and security forces operations, according to a report published by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
During the same period, there were at least 161 reported kidnappings for ransom. The first quarter was marked by an escalation of criminal group activities aimed at expanding their territorial influence in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings.
The report also emphasizes the severe impact of gang activities on women and children. In response to these abuses, authorities have implemented several measures to combat impunity, with support from the United Nations.
The Transitional Presidential Council and the government have adopted a decree to establish specialized judicial units to address mass crimes, as well as violence against women and children, and financial crimes.
Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated that the situation in Haiti is becoming increasingly critical. She remarked, “every day, deportations and gang violence worsen an already fragile situation,” while calling for greater support from donors and the international community.
Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Haiti, pointed out, “this is a deepening crisis that extends beyond the capital, with cross-border deportations and internal displacement converging on Belladère.” He warned of the growing challenges in delivering aid, noting that humanitarian workers now find themselves trapped alongside those they are trying to help.
