Port-au-Prince, April 30, 2025 — The human rights situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate at an alarming rate, according to a report released Tuesday by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, at least 1,617 people were killed and 580 others wounded in violence involving armed gangs, self-defense groups, members of the general population, and state security forces.
“Deadly violence remains widespread and indiscriminately affects civilians, women, children, and law enforcement,” states the report, which describes the situation as “extremely concerning.”
BINUH highlights the territorial expansion of armed groups during the quarter, particularly in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince. “The communes of Delmas and Kenscoff were specifically targeted by gangs to destabilize Pétion-Ville,” notes the report. The violence has also spread to the Central Department, where attacks on Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau facilitated the escape of more than 515 inmates from Mirebalais prison. These assaults also aimed to gain control of strategic road routes leading to the Dominican Republic.
Bwa Kalé: Extrajudicial Executions and Vigilante Justice
The “Bwa Kalé” movement, a form of popular self-defense, has continued to generate serious human rights violations. “At least 189 people were killed, often without evidence or legal procedure, after being accused of gang membership or committing common law crimes,” according to BINUH.
Security forces are also implicated in the violence. The report documents at least 802 deaths during police operations, with approximately 20% being civilians struck by stray bullets while “in the streets or in their homes.” The document also records 65 cases of summary executions allegedly carried out by police officers and the government commissioner of Miragoâne.
Sexual violence, particularly that perpetrated by gangs, has reached alarming levels. “More than 333 survivors were documented during the quarter, with 96% being victims of rape, often gang-related,” warns BINUH. Children have not been spared: 35 were killed and 10 wounded, while others fell victim to trafficking or were forced to join armed groups.
Kidnappings on the Rise, Artibonite in the Crosshairs
The report tallies at least 161 kidnappings for ransom during the first three months of the year, with 63% occurring in the Artibonite department. These abductions target both ordinary citizens and professionals, amid a climate of widespread impunity.
Some Judicial Progress Despite System Failures
In response to these massive violations, the report notes that authorities have initiated efforts, with UN support, to strengthen the fight against impunity. The Transitional Presidential Council has adopted a decree to establish specialized judicial units responsible for handling mass crimes, sexual violence, and financial crimes. More than 114 rape cases have been examined by investigating judges across the country.
However, “progress on emblematic cases remains slow,” emphasizes BINUH, particularly concerning arms trafficking, the assassination of the President of the Republic, and the documented massacres since 2018.
