The human rights landscape in Haiti has entered a state of crisis, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2024. From October 1 to December 31, gang-related violence claimed the lives of at least 1,732 people, with 411 injured, raising the 2024 death toll to 5,626. Adding to the turmoil, 431 kidnappings occurred in the last quarter, leading to a staggering total of 1,494 for the year.
This period witnessed three horrific massacres in neighborhoods like Wharf Jérémie and Pont Sondé, cumulatively causing over 300 deaths. The emergence of ‘popular justice’ as a means of civilian retaliation also proliferated human rights abuses, with around 268 recorded lynchings or executions during these months, bringing the 2024 total to over 596.
The BINUH report expresses grave concerns over the plight of women’s safety, as gangs persistently exploit and recruit vulnerable girls and young boys. Furthermore, these gangs have imposed severe travel restrictions, controlling access to vital routes and staging raids on schools and hospitals, thereby amplifying the chaos in daily life.
Law enforcement actions against gangs resulted in 771 individuals being either killed or injured during the fourth quarter, with many victims being innocent bystanders. Ominously, there are reports of summary executions committed by police officers, claiming at least 80 lives in the last quarter, with the total for 2024 reaching 281, primarily targeting those suspected of gang ties or lacking adequate identification.
Prisons in Haiti remain overcrowded and degrading, with 21 detainees losing their lives during this period, bringing the annual total to 186 fatalities. Amidst these harrowing realities, the government appears lethargic in addressing human rights abuses. Minimal judicial actions have been taken, with no significant progress reported in the investigations following the recent massacres and negligible accountability measures against police misconduct.
The fourth quarter of 2024 in Haiti presented a dire human rights situation, with 1,732 killed and 411 injured due to violence, bringing the annual toll to 5,626 fatalities. Kidnapping surged to 1,494 cases, alongside brutal massacres leaving over 300 dead. Law enforcement’s heavy-handed tactics claimed many victims, while prisons remain inhumane, with 21 dying in custody. The government’s inadequate response calls for international scrutiny.
In summary, the human rights situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate dramatically, marked by rampant violence, unlawful killings, and a deepening culture of impunity. The sheer number of casualties from gang violence, police actions, and inhumane prison conditions paint a grim picture of the nation’s struggle. As the year wraps up, the lack of accountability and persistent abuses demand urgent attention from global humanitarian organizations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
