In a report released by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), the escalating gang violence in Haiti has been attributed to a significant decline in the country’s human rights situation. The report indicates that since January, the civilian population has experienced widespread killings, abductions, and sexual violence. The vulnerability of women and girls is of particular concern, as highlighted in the document.
Statistics from the report reveal a harrowing increase in gang-related incidents: 1,617 people were killed and 580 injured in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 20 percent increase from the same period in 2024. Moreover, kidnappings for ransom have become rampant, with 161 cases reported, most of which occurred in the Artibonite department.
The recruitment of children into gangs has surged by 70 percent over the last year, further compounding the crisis. The situation has forced numerous Haitians into makeshift shelters where they face limited access to basic needs. Concurrently, the Human Rights Watch recently warned of the grave risks the violence poses to civilians, echoing similar sentiments expressed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in February.
Adding to the complexity, approximately 20,000 Haitians were deported from the Dominican Republic in April, as reported by the International Organization for Migration. This marks the highest monthly deportation figure for the year thus far.
Haiti’s transitional government, established in 2024, has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. The government’s challenges are exacerbated by the gang-driven control over Port-au-Prince, leading to internal displacement, food scarcity, and destruction of healthcare infrastructure. Despite international rights groups’ criticism, efforts to stabilize the country remain faltering.
The continued deterioration of human rights in Haiti, as detailed in the UN’s latest report, underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.