OCHA/Giles Clark. A displaced Haitian woman takes refuge in a gymnasium in downtown Port-au-Prince.
Haiti experienced its worst violence in more than two years in January, the data showed. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk warned today that the country's already dire human rights situation has deteriorated and that escalating gang violence has had disastrous consequences for Haitians.
Türk noted that at least 806 people were killed, injured or abducted in Haiti in January without being involved in the ongoing violence. In addition, about 300 gang members were killed or injured, bringing the total number affected by the violence to 1,108, more than double the number recorded in January 2023.
Sexual violence is used as a weapon
Türk said gang violence is affecting all communities in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, as gang members continue to clash over control of the territory and escalate their activities outside the capital. He also noted that the intensity of these clashes, which in some cases can last for hours, may indicate that some gangs have recently been given new ammunition.
People living in gang-controlled areas have been directly targeted. Türk stressed that these gangs continue to use sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon and spread fear by posting horrific photos and videos of people being killed and women being raped on local social media.
Children are affected
In particular, Türk noted that the impact of this torrent of violence on children was a cause for concern. In 2023, 167 children were shot dead or wounded by gunshots, some of them executed by gangs or so-called "self-defense" groups for their alleged support for their rival groups. At the same time, the recruitment of children into gangs remains very worrying.
Against the backdrop of widespread violence, anti-Government street protests and civil unrest have taken place in recent weeks in at least 24 towns across Haiti, which are also supported by opposition parties. In the region, including the capital, Port-au-Prince, schools, public services and local businesses have been forced to close.
Police enforcement must comply with human rights norms and standards
While some protests have turned violent and public and private buildings have been looted, concerns continue to be expressed about the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force by law enforcement. According to statistics, between January 20 and February 7 this year, at least 16 people were killed and 29 injured in clashes between protesters and police.
Türk stressed that according to human rights norms and standards, the police must always abide by the principles of "legality, necessity and proportionality" when managing protests, and protesters must express their grievances in a peaceful manner.
"Now, more than ever, the lives of Haitians depend on the rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSSU), which will support the Haitian National Police and bring security to the Haitian people, in compliance with international human rights norms and standards," he said. ”
Socio-economic root causes need to be addressed
He also noted that, in addition to the need to improve the security situation, attention must also be paid to the impact of this new wave of violence on the Haitian economy, as well as the spread of food insecurity. Not only that, but extortion and road closures have led to severe inflation that has left millions of Haitians without access to basic goods.
At the same time, more than 313,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, many seeking refuge in crowded and unsanitary locations, affecting their ability to access health and education services.
Türk concluded by reiterating that, while improving the security situation is a prerequisite for breaking the cycle of crisis in Haiti, long-term stability can be achieved only if the root causes of poverty, social and economic discrimination and corruption are addressed.
