In August 2023, after fleeing gang attacks, displaced Haitians took refuge in a boxing ring in downtown Port-au-Prince.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today called for the dispatch of a multinational security support mission to assist the Haitian National Police in combating the escalating cycle of violence.
"Life is getting harder for the Haitian people, but the key is that we don't give up," Türk said. Their situation is not hopeless. With the support and determination of the international community, the Haitian people can address this grave insecurity and find a way out of the chaos. ”
In his latest report on the human rights situation in Haiti, Türk stressed that the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission was essential to assist the Haitian National Police in combating organized crime, armed gangs and international trafficking in arms, drugs and human beings.
The report details the findings of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, William O'Neill, during his visit to the country in June 2023.
Haitian prisoners
According to the report, conditions of detention in Haitian prisons are inhumane and the situation of detainees epitomizes the continuing erosion of the rule of law in Haiti.
As of the end of June 2023, Haitian prisons held a total of 11,810 prisoners, more than three times their maximum capacity, with nearly 85% of them awaiting trial.
During his visits to the National Penitentiary in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien Central Prison, O'Neill saw detainees crammed into small cells, with unbearable heat and restricted access to water and toilets.
Reports indicate that prison garbage piles up, feces emit a foul smell and detainees have to endure a suffocating odor. They can only take turns sleeping because there is not enough space for them to lie down at the same time.
Türk said: "Human life is at stake. Time is of the essence, and we need to be fully aware of the urgency of this crisis. ”
UNIOH
Detainees in Haitian prisons
Escalating violence
In his latest report on Haiti, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: "Haiti faces multiple crises centered on gang violence, which have undermined state institutions. ”
Armed gangs control about 80 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and armed violence pervades all communities.
Reports indicate that violence is also spreading to provinces outside the capital. Over the past few months, serious crimes such as homicide, kidnapping and rape have increased dramatically. Indiscriminate and large-scale attacks against entire communities and their inhabitants have displaced nearly 130,000 people.
The spread of gang violence has sparked popular protests against the government, and vigilante groups and associated violence have increased, including killings and lynchings, further undermining social cohesion.
In April 2023, an anti-gang popular justice movement emerged in Port-au-Prince.
The prevalence of armed violence has also had a significant impact on socio-economic activities. The freedom of movement of people has been seriously impaired by gangs extortion, hijacking or looting of commercial and public vehicles passing through main roads.
As schools are forced to close due to escalating violence, children are at risk of being recruited by gangs.
Out of economic interest, armed gangs have managed to isolate entire communities. They terrorize the local population through violence, including targeting critical infrastructure.
Humanitarian crisis
Insecurity exacerbates humanitarian crises. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has almost doubled over the past three years. Gang members' attacks on schools have increased ninefold in the past year, and many health workers have left the country.
Once the security situation stabilizes, there is a need to invest in the development of socio-economic opportunities to enable the Haitian people to achieve better living conditions and to ensure lasting stability and prosperity in the country.
Strengthening State institutions
In Haiti, impunity and decades of poor governance and corruption have fuelled the current crisis.
"Because few people are held accountable, the cycle of violence never ends," Guterres said. The State must hold perpetrators and officials of the police, courts and prison systems accountable to provide security and justice for the population. ”
This week, UN Security Council members are expected to continue negotiations on a draft resolution authorizing the deployment of a non-UN multinational security support mission to Haiti.