More than 600 killed in renewed gang violence in Haiti since March
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – A new report by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) says at least 613 people have been killed and 375 injured in a resurgence of gang violence in parts of Haiti between March 6 and July 31 this year.
The findings were highlighted on Thursday during the daily press briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, which said the violence has intensified in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac area and several neighbourhoods of Cité Soleil.
The report said the deaths occurred primarily during confrontations between criminal gangs, although more than one-third of those killed were not associated with gangs.
BINUH also reported that more than 176 women and girls were subjected to rape by gang members during the period under review.
According to the report, the gangs attacked public and private buildings, leading to the suspension of schools and health services. The violence has also had a severe humanitarian and socio-economic impact, forcing more than 18,000 people to flee their homes.
The UN mission said several of the acts documented during the period could constitute serious violations of international human rights law.
Among the incidents highlighted was an attack on the evening of June 13, shortly after Haiti’s FIFA World Cup match against Scotland, when gang members attacked a gathering of more than 300 people, including a traditional musical group.
The report said at least 61 people were killed and 20 others injured in the attack, including at least seven children, the youngest of whom was seven years old.
BINUH reiterated the need to strengthen the operational capacities of Haiti’s security forces, ensure the effective protection of the population and combat impunity for human rights violations.
The report also underscored the importance of continuing efforts to ensure the full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) by providing it with the personnel, equipment, specialised capabilities and financial resources required.
