Haiti sank deeper into chaos during the second quarter of 2025, with a grim toll of 1,520 people killed and another 609 injured between April 1 and June 30, according to a report released on Friday, August 1, by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
Armed gangs, expanding their control beyond the capital—particularly into the Artibonite and Centre departments—have escalated violent attacks. At the same time, security operations targeting these gangs, as well as clashes between criminal groups and self-defense militias, have further contributed to the rising death toll, the BINUH report states.
Criminal groups intensified their activities in the Centre and Lower Artibonite regions while maintaining constant pressure on Port-au-Prince. Their methods, according to testimonies collected by the UN office, include killings, mass rapes, kidnappings, and even sexual slavery.
“Gang attacks in the Artibonite, Centre departments, and the capital continue to cause serious human rights violations and worsen an already extreme humanitarian crisis, leading to mass displacement with devastating consequences—particularly for women and children,” said Ulrika Richardson, Acting Head of BINUH and the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.
Between April 1 and June 30, 2025, at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 others injured in the context of armed violence, mainly in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, followed by the Artibonite and Centre departments. In addition, the report documents at least 185 kidnappings and 628 cases of sexual violence.
“Gangs are using terror as a weapon of control. Women and children are paying the highest price,” warned Ulrika Richardson.
According to the report, 24% of the victims were killed or injured by gangs; 64% were casualties of law enforcement operations, one-third of which involved explosive drone strikes—resulting in 15% collateral victims, including civilians killed in their homes or on the street. Another 12% of victims were attributed to self-defense groups engaged in a popular anti-gang movement known as Bwa Kalé.
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At least four members of the security forces were also killed during operations against the gangs. Additionally, the report denounces the alleged involvement of police officers and the government commissioner of Miragoâne in 73 extrajudicial executions.
Cases of sexual slavery, sexual exploitation, and the trafficking and abuse of children were also documented.
Furthermore, the report highlights that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced by the violence, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Despite the establishment of specialized judicial units to prosecute mass crimes and financial offenses, the justice system continues to struggle to bring perpetrators to trial.
In light of this dire situation, the United Nations Integrated Office is urging the international community to support the rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), ensure strict oversight of the use of force by Haitian authorities, and intensify efforts to combat arms trafficking.
