Haiti’s Gang Violence Claims Over 4,500 Lives in 2024, UN Raises Alarms

 

The death toll from gang-related violence in Haiti has surpassed 4,500 this year, following the deaths of 150 individuals in Port-au-Prince over the past week, according to United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk.

In a statement, Turk described the surge in violence as a grim indicator of worsening conditions.
“The latest upsurge in violence in Haiti's capital is a harbinger of worse to come,” Turk warned. “The gang violence must be promptly halted. Haiti must not be allowed to descend further into chaos.”

Since November 11, violence in Port-au-Prince has intensified as gangs vie for total control of the city. Currently, about 80% of the Haitian capital is under gang control, leaving civilians vulnerable despite the presence of a Kenyan-led international force deployed to assist Haiti’s overwhelmed police.

Turk’s statement reported that at least 150 people have been killed, 92 injured, and 20,000 displaced over the past week. The situation has left the city’s approximately four million residents trapped, with gangs dominating all major entry and exit routes.

Kenya’s National Security Advisor Monica Juma expressed support for turning the existing international security mission into a formal UN peacekeeping operation during a UN Security Council meeting. Juma emphasized that a formal mission could bring additional resources to combat the escalating violence.

Currently, the mission has deployed only a fraction of the pledged troops and has less than $100 million in its fund, limiting its impact on the gang conflict.

The resurgence of violence is largely attributed to Viv Ansanm, a coalition of gangs responsible for ousting former Prime Minister Ariel Henry in February. Recent coordinated attacks in the capital accounted for 55% of deaths during clashes between gang members and police, according to Turk.

Reports of mob lynchings are also on the rise. Authorities revealed that an overnight operation by police and civilian defense groups killed 28 gang members earlier this week.

The UN rights office estimates the gang violence has resulted in 4,544 confirmed deaths and 2,060 injuries so far this year, though the actual toll is believed to be much higher. Additionally, 700,000 people, including 350,000 children, are now internally displaced across Haiti.

The UN highlighted the deepening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by food and water shortages, the spread of infectious diseases, and a collapsing health system. Threats and attacks on humanitarian workers have further hindered aid efforts.

Turk called for decisive action to protect civilians and re-establish state authority.
“Gang violence must not prevail over the institutions of the State,” he said. “Concrete steps must be taken to protect the population and restore effective rule of law.”

The international community faces mounting pressure to address Haiti’s worsening crisis, as millions continue to endure unrelenting violence and instability.