A United Nations report has revealed that gang violence in Haiti led to the deaths of more than 1,200 people from July to September 2024, marking a 27% increase in fatalities from the previous quarter. The report highlighted that nearly half of the deaths were linked directly to gangs, while 45% were associated with law enforcement operations aimed at tackling gang activities.
The report raised concerns over extrajudicial killings, stating that at least 106 summary executions were reportedly conducted by law enforcement, including incidents involving children as young as ten. Additionally, Haiti witnessed a 40% surge in vigilante violence attributed to the “Bwa Kale” movement—a self-defense group formed by residents frustrated with gang activity. The report documented at least 122 brutal killings by these groups, involving extreme measures such as decapitation and burning.
In addition to gang and vigilante violence, kidnapping and sexual violence continue to plague communities, affecting the safety and well-being of women and girls in particular. This troubling situation has underscored the need for urgent intervention to address Haiti’s escalating humanitarian crisis.