The United Nations has revealed the devastating human cost of Haiti’s escalating gang violence, warning that armed groups continue to terrorise communities through killings, sexual violence and forced displacement, with women and children among the worst affected.
Speaking on the release of a new UN report, the Designated Human Rights Expert for Haiti, William O’Neill, described the attacks as the “wanton, intentional infliction of incredible pain” on civilians living under the grip of criminal gangs.
The report, compiled by the UN’s political office in Haiti (BINUH), documented widespread atrocities across Port-au-Prince and surrounding communities. It showed that more than 613 people were killed and 375 others injured in just two neighbourhoods within less than five months, up to July 31.
According to the UN, over one-third of the victims had no connection to gangs. Those killed included 111 women and 77 children, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
The report further revealed that 176 women and girls were raped, with many of the assaults carried out as punishment against residents living in areas controlled by rival gangs.
The worsening insecurity has displaced more than 18,000 people, forcing families to flee their homes in search of safety.
Among the shocking incidents documented was the ordeal of a woman who was raped after armed gang members set her home ablaze and murdered her husband and her two-year-old daughter.
Another woman was executed after gang members accused her of acting as an informant for a rival group.
The report also detailed the execution of 17 boys aged between 15 and 17, suspected of collaborating with rival gangs. Some were taken to a refuse dump before being shot dead.
In separate incidents, a 71-year-old man searching for food was killed, while two teenagers were executed after being accused of passing information to rival gangs.
On June 13, violence escalated further when about 300 people returning from a World Cup football match between Haiti and Scotland were ambushed by gang members.
At least 61 people were killed and 20 others wounded, including seven children, the youngest only seven years old, highlighting the relentless brutality that continues to engulf the Caribbean nation.
