A recent report by the UN human rights office paints a grim picture of Haiti, a country descending deeper into chaos and anarchy. The harrowing document, released in February 2024, exposes the brutal reality of gang violence, sexual abuse, and a collapsing state apparatus.
The report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reveals a surge in gang violence, with over 1,500 people killed so far in 2024. This number is projected to surpass the already alarming figure of 4,451 killings documented in 2023. The violence has displaced a staggering 313,900 people internally, according to the OHCHR, further destabilizing the nation.
Beyond the sheer number of deaths, the report details horrific acts of sexual violence. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing rape and forced sexual relations at the hands of gang members. Shockingly, the OHCHR describes this sexual violence as “severely underreported and largely unpunished.” This lack of accountability perpetuates a climate of fear and impunity for perpetrators.
The report sheds light on the factors fueling this crisis. Corruption, weak governance, and deteriorating law enforcement have created a vacuum where heavily armed gangs operate with impunity. These gangs often outnumber and outgun the understaffed and underpaid Haitian National Police. The OHCHR report reveals a meager police-to-population ratio of 1.3 officers per 1,000 citizens.
Furthermore, the report exposes the ease with which weapons and ammunition flow into Haiti, despite an arms embargo. This constant influx allows gangs to maintain their superior firepower, further weakening the already struggling police forces.
The breakdown of law and order has given rise to concerning trends. Civilian “self-defense brigades” are taking justice into their own hands, resorting to extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected of petty crimes or gang affiliation. The report documents at least 528 lynchings in 2023 and a further 59 in 2024, highlighting the desperation and erosion of trust in the formal justice system.
Haiti’s justice system itself is chronically under-resourced and dysfunctional. National anti-corruption and accountability mechanisms are ineffective, creating a breeding ground for human rights abuses. The OHCHR emphasizes the urgent need to address widespread corruption and reform the justice system to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law.
The economic impact of gang violence is also significant. Thousands of homes and businesses have been looted or destroyed, crippling local economies and livelihoods. The report highlights the devastating impact on Haiti’s food security, with gang attacks on farms and livestock theft in the Artibonite Valley, the country’s breadbasket.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, strongly condemned these atrocities and called for immediate action. “All these practices are outrageous and must stop at once,” he stated. He emphasized the need for more effective implementation of the arms embargo and urged authorities to address the root causes of gang violence, including poverty and social inequality.
