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Gang-related violence in Haiti has claimed at least 2,300 lives this year, with nearly 100 kidnappings recorded, according to the United Nations.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said the scale of insecurity reflects a deepening crisis in the Caribbean nation of about 12 million people, where armed groups continue to operate with near-total impunity.
“In Haiti, gang violence has resulted in at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries and 99 kidnappings since the start of the year,” Türk said, warning that the situation demands urgent institutional response.
He called on Haitian authorities to accelerate judicial reforms and strengthen accountability mechanisms, stressing that entrenched impunity is enabling continued abuses.
“I urge the authorities to move quickly on the judicial units to tackle impunity,” he added.
Türk also emphasised the importance of the newly mandated Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which has been authorised by the UN Security Council to help neutralise armed groups across the country. He said the force “needs to operate in line with international human rights law” as it begins phased deployment.
The GSF was approved last year after concerns that the previous Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police (MMAS) lacked adequate funding and equipment. The new mission is expected to deploy up to 5,500 troops and police officers in stages.
Haiti has endured years of instability, with gangs accused of widespread killings, sexual violence, looting, and kidnappings, leaving state institutions severely weakened.
The UN Security Council endorsed the GSF following a US-backed push in September, aiming to restore minimum security conditions and support national policing efforts.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Haiti on Tuesday to show solidarity with victims. His spokesperson said the visit will involve meetings with residents directly affected by gang violence, describing it as “a solidarity visit” with survivors.
The issue was raised during Türk’s global update at the opening of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which runs until July 7.
