Haiti is witnessing an alarming surge in violence, as gang activity intensifies and spreads far beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, into rural areas where government control is virtually non-existent. A new report released by the United Nations details a grim escalation that began in October 2024 and has continued unabated through mid-2025.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized the growing humanitarian toll:
“The escalating gang violence outside Port-au-Prince, where the presence of the state is extremely limited, has claimed over 1,000 lives and forced hundreds of thousands to flee since October 2024.”
One of the most shocking incidents occurred in the town of Pont-Sondé in the Lower Artibonite region, where a mass killing in late 2024 marked a turning point in the conflict. Since then, towns like Mirebalais in the Centre department have been entirely depopulated—its 100,000 residents fleeing amid relentless attacks and fear.
The report also raises concerns about the rise of self-proclaimed “self-defence” civilian groups. Initially formed to counter gang threats, these groups are now being accused of committing widespread human rights abuses, further complicating the security landscape.
Shamdasani called on both Haiti and the global community to take urgent action:
“The human rights violations and abuses that we have documented are further evidence of why Haiti and the international community urgently need to step up to end this violence.”
The United Nations continues to advocate for a coordinated international intervention to stabilize the country and protect vulnerable populations. Without immediate and sustained support, the report warns, Haiti’s deepening crisis could spiral into an even more severe humanitarian disaster.
