The United Nations continues to sound the alarm on the escalating violence in Haiti.
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, over 2,500 people were killed and/or injured by armed gangs, which control over 80% of the capital.
In the first quarter of this year, Haiti was the scene of a devastating upsurge in violence, with gruesome statistics painting a bleak picture of the ongoing crisis, said UN Representative in Haiti Maria Isabel Salvador as she presented her report to the UN Security Council.
This alarming figure represents a staggering 53% increase on the previous period, making it the most violent quarter since BINUH began recording statistics two years ago, Maria Isabel Salvador lamented.
Presenting her report from Haiti’s capital, Madame Salvador drew a bleak assessment of the situation, highlighting the exponential increase in “gang activity, the erosion of human rights and the worsening humanitarian situation.”
While acknowledging the efforts of the national police, the Ecuadorian diplomat insisted on the immediate need to deploy the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
“The gravity of the current crisis highlights the shortcomings of national structures and the urgent need for international assistance, in particular through the immediate deployment of the MSS”, stressed Mr. Salvador, emphasizing the crucial importance of international support.
Violence is taking a heavy toll not only on security, but also on the most vulnerable groups, lamented UNICEF Director Catherine Russell.
Of the 5.5 million Haitians in need of aid, three million are children.
Tragically, boys and girls are daily victims of violence, many being recruited into armed groups out of sheer desperation. In addition, women and girls continue to endure extreme levels of gender-based violence, with thousands of cases reported every year.
“Every day, boys and girls continue to be injured or killed in violence. Some are recruited or join armed groups out of sheer desperation,” deplored Ms Russell.
The humanitarian response is further hampered by the escalating violence, as access to vital supplies through the capital’s port has been cut off due to operations by armed groups.
Also participating in the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti, the UNODC Director noted that nearly 300 containers of humanitarian aid, including essential nutritional supplements and medical supplies, are now blocked, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), highlighted the role of corruption and the influx of weapons in fuelling the violence. She stressed that it was imperative to stand in solidarity with Haiti to meet these challenges and pave the way for a more stable and secure future.
“We must support Haitian institutions and citizens in their fight against violence, corruption and chaos, and work for a more stable and secure future for the Haitian people,” said Ms. Waly, calling on the international community to rally behind Haiti in these difficult times.
In the face of escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis, concerted international support and solidarity are essential. The United Nations and its partners remain committed to helping Haiti address the root causes of the crisis and safeguard the well-being of its people, the UN pledged.
More than 2,500 victims of gang violence in Haiti. UN calls for immediate deployment of the MSS
