UN Report: Haiti’s Death Toll Increases as International Support Falls Short

The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported a staggering increase in gang violence in Haiti, with more than 2,500 people killed or injured from January through March, a 53% rise from the previous three months. The capital of Port-au-Prince bore the brunt of the violence, with areas like La Saline and Cite Soleil experiencing large-scale attacks.

According to the report, at least 590 people were killed during police operations, with some not involved in gang violence and others targeted by vigilante justice groups. Additionally, 438 people were kidnapped in the wider West Department and Artibonite region.

Gang members were also reported to be committing rapes against women and girls in rival neighborhoods, prisons, and displacement camps. The violence has led to hundreds of thousands being internally displaced, with neighboring countries like the United States and the Dominican Republic still deporting migrants back to Haiti.

The situation escalated in February when Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned under U.S. pressure, leaving a power vacuum that gangs have exploited by targeting public institutions and strategic infrastructure. The report called for a faster deployment of a planned international security support mission, as well as updated sanctions, efforts to block arms trafficking, and rehabilitation programs for children recruited into gangs.

As the country grapples with escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of the conflict and protect the lives of Haitian citizens.