WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) –  The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) says it is deeply concerned over the escalation of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Haiti, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The IACHR is also condemning the recent series of gang attacks, which have resulted in significant loss of life, massive population displacement, and serious human rights violations.

According to United Nations reports, between January and March, more than 260 people were killed and 66 injured in gang attacks in the Kenscoff and Carrefour neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince. These attacks displaced more than 3,000 residents and destroyed approximately 190 homes.

Earlier this month, gangs attacked a prison in the city of Mirebalais, freeing more than 500 inmates while hundreds of residents fled their homes. This is in addition to the 5,600 people killed in 2024 as a result of gang violence, according to figures published by the United Nations in various reports.

The IACHR, which is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), said it is particularly alarmed by reports of serious human rights violations, including widespread sexual violence against women and girls perpetrated by armed groups.

On April 2, thousands of Haitians took to the streets to denounce growing gang violence and demand effective government action.

“The initially peaceful protests degenerated into violent clashes involving gunfire near government buildings, reflecting public frustration with the authorities’ apparent inaction,”  the ACHR said,  adding that in response to this crisis, the president of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council announced the deployment of agents from the Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP) to support the police.

“However, civil society organisations expressed doubts about the effectiveness of these measures, highlighting the risks of human rights abuses and the need for comprehensive security sector reform.”

The IACHR said it is also concerned about reports that weaknesses in border control facilitate the entry of firearms into Haiti, strengthening the ability of gangs to commit violent acts.

“The United Nations has highlighted that underfunded and understaffed customs and police forces are ill-equipped to control arms flows into the country,”  it said, adding that given the magnitude of the current crisis, Haiti has the primary responsibility to implement effective security measures to restore public order, facilitate the free movement of people and goods, and protect the population from gang violence.

“It is essential that any security operations carried out in this context strictly adhere to international human rights standards, avoiding excessive use of force or abuse. The State must also strengthen its institutional capacities to prevent the illicit trafficking of arms and other contraband goods, in order to interrupt the flow of weapons that fuel gang violence.”

The IACHR said that given the cross-border nature of illicit arms trafficking, it also wanted to  emphasise  the importance of establishing international cooperation mechanisms for the exchange of relevant information on arms transfers and the prevention of related criminal activities.

“In this regard, the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms (CIFTA) reaffirms the obligation of American States to cooperate bilaterally, regionally, and internationally to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, ammunition, explosives, and related materials”

The IACHR said given the humanitarian and transnational dimensions of the crisis, it is calling on OAS member states to fully commit to concrete and robust assistance to Haiti, by supporting the Kenya-led United Nations Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, providing direct cooperation, mobilising human, material, and financial resources, and delivering timely humanitarian assistance to those affected.

“At the same time, the IACHR emphasises that resolving the crisis in Haiti requires inclusive and participatory dialogue. The State must create spaces for meaningful dialogue with political parties, civil society, community leaders, and other relevant actors, with the aim of developing comprehensive and sustainable responses to the structural causes of violence and institutional fragility,” it said.