In 2024, Haiti faced an unprecedented surge in gang violence, resulting in 5,601 reported deaths, marking an alarming increase of over 1,000 fatalities from the previous year. The UN Human Rights Office also recorded over 2,200 injuries and nearly 1,500 kidnappings. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasized that these numbers merely scratch the surface of the horrors afflicting Haitian communities, revealing a dire state of ongoing violence.
Among the year’s most horrific events was a massacre in early December, where 207 individuals lost their lives due to reprisal from the Wharf Jérémie gang leader against those he falsely accused of causing his son’s death through alleged voodoo practices. In a grim attempt to erase the evidence, gang members mutilated and incinerated the corpses, while others were disposed of in the sea, showcasing the brutal reality surrounding gang warfare in the region.
Disturbingly, the UN documented 315 lynchings connected to gang activity, with some incidents reportedly aided by local police. Alongside these, there were 281 cases of summary executions attributed to specialized police units within the same year. Türk highlighted that the pervasive climate of impunity and rampant corruption are fundamental factors exacerbating the multifaceted crisis currently gripping the nation.
To address these deep-rooted issues, Türk urged the Haitian authorities and the international community to prioritize restoring the rule of law. He stressed the necessity of enhanced logistical and financial support for the Multinational Security Support mission to effectively carry out its duties. Strengthened oversight mechanisms within the National Haitian Police are crucial to holding accountable those implicated in human rights violations.
The UN High Commissioner reiterated his call for strict enforcement of the Security Council’s sanctions and an arms embargo, crucial in curtailing the influx of firearms into Haiti. The continuous flow of weapons has devastating consequences, fueling conflicts that leave thousands dead, displacing hundreds of thousands more, and wreaking havoc on essential services like schools and hospitals.
The dire human rights situation in Haiti severely hampers the safe return of displaced citizens, with deportations persisting amidst the chaos. Türk appealed to governments globally to cease forcibly returning individuals to such perilous conditions.
In 2024, Haiti reported 5,601 killings due to gang violence, doubling the previous year’s fatalities. Key incidents include a massacre of 207 people by the Wharf Jérémie gang. The UN documented numerous lynchings and unlawful executions facilitated by police, highlighting a climate of impunity. Urgent restoration of rule of law and international support is needed to address the profound crisis, including a call to halt deportations amid increasing violence.
The escalating violence in Haiti underscores a humanitarian crisis requiring immediate action from national and international players. With thousands killed and injured, and the rising specter of gang warfare, the UN emphasizes the critical need for restoring order, enforcing sanctions, and providing essential support to law enforcement. Only through coordinated efforts can Haiti hope to reclaim stability and safeguard the futures of its people.
Haiti has been grappling with a profound crisis driven by widespread gang violence, corruption, and deep-seated socioeconomic inequalities. As gangs have asserted greater control over various regions, particularly in urban areas, the violence has escalated, leading to a humanitarian emergency. With governmental weaknesses and inadequate security measures, citizens face an unrelenting cycle of violence, fear, and instability. These UN figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and the restoration of order to protect the lives and rights of the Haitian people.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
