Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is gripped by gang control, with over 150 gangs operating across the country.
Burnt-out cars now serve as barricades, and all major roads are under the control of criminal groups. The escalating violence has plunged the nation into deeper chaos.
Staggering Death Toll
In 2024, at least 5,601 people were killed in Haiti due to gang-related violence, marking an increase of over 1,000 deaths compared to 2023. According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), an additional 2,212 people were injured, and 1,494 were kidnapped during the same period.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the violence, stating, “These figures alone cannot capture the absolute horrors being perpetrated in Haiti, but they show the unremitting violence to which people are being subjected.”
A Shocking Massacre in Cité Soleil
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in December when 207 people were massacred in Cité Soleil, orchestrated by the Wharf Jérémie gang. Victims, including elderly individuals accused of voodoo practices, faced unimaginable brutality. Gang members mutilated and burned bodies, while others were discarded into the sea to erase evidence.
Lynchings and Police Brutality
OHCHR documented 315 lynchings of alleged gang members in 2024, with some incidents reportedly facilitated by Haitian police. Additionally, 281 summary executions involving specialized police units were recorded, reflecting a disturbing pattern of extrajudicial violence.
Impunity and Corruption Fuel the Crisis
High levels of impunity and corruption continue to exacerbate Haiti’s multidimensional crisis. Economic and social inequalities further deepen the divide, leaving citizens vulnerable to gang violence and systemic abuses.
Restoring the Rule of Law
The UN High Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to restore the rule of law in Haiti. He urged international support for the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and called for increased oversight of Haitian police officers to ensure accountability for human rights violations.
Cracking Down on Arms and Sanctions
Mr. Türk highlighted the necessity of fully implementing the UN Security Council’s sanctions regime and enforcing an arms embargo to prevent firearms from reaching gangs. “Weapons flowing into Haiti often end up in the hands of criminal gangs, with tragic results: thousands killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and essential services disrupted,” he said.
A Plea Against Forced Deportations
As insecurity engulfs Haiti, the UN High Commissioner urged all nations to halt forced deportations to the country, emphasizing that the conditions do not permit safe or dignified returns for its citizens.
Conclusion
Haiti’s crisis in 2024 underscores the urgent need for both national and international interventions to address systemic issues and end the cycle of violence. Without decisive action, the toll on human lives and the country’s fragile infrastructure will continue to escalate.
