UN Human Rights Office reports reveal a devastating escalation of violence in Haiti during 2024, with at least 5,601 people killed – marking an increase of over 1,000 deaths from 2023. The humanitarian crisis deepened further with 2,212 injuries and 1,494 kidnappings documented throughout the year.
One of the most horrific incidents occurred in early December, when the Wharf Jérémie gang orchestrated a massacre in Port-au-Prince's Cité Soleil district, claiming at least 207 lives. Most victims were elderly residents accused of using voodoo practices to cause the death of the gang leader's son. In an attempt to destroy evidence, gang members burned many of the bodies or disposed of them at sea.
The violence took multiple forms, including 315 documented lynching's of suspected gang members – some reportedly facilitated by Haitian police – and 281 cases of alleged summary executions by specialized police units. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized that these statistics "cannot capture the absolute horrors" unfolding in Haiti, highlighting the profound human toll beyond the numbers.
Turk identified several key factors driving the crisis: widespread impunity for human rights violations, endemic corruption, and deep-rooted economic and social inequalities. He stressed the urgent need for authorities to address these fundamental issues with international support, calling for reinforcement of the Multinational Security Support mission with necessary logistical and financial resources.
The situation is further complicated by the flow of weapons into Haiti, which often end up in gang hands, leading to catastrophic consequences. Turk emphasized the critical importance of implementing the Security Council's sanctions regime and arms embargo to curb this flow. The impact has been far-reaching, with thousands killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and essential infrastructure – including schools and hospitals – either disrupted or destroyed.
Given the severity of the security crisis and its impact on human rights, Turk called for an immediate halt to forced deportations to Haiti. He stressed that current conditions make it impossible to ensure safe, dignified, and sustainable returns for Haitians. The High Commissioner also urged the National Haitian Police, with international community support, to strengthen its oversight mechanisms and hold accountable any officers involved in human rights violations. These measures, combined with addressing root causes and enforcing arms control, are seen as crucial steps toward restoring stability and the rule of law in Haiti.
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