Published on: 2026-10-02
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 2, 2026 Peace and Security
Gangs in Haiti continue to adapt, expand their influence, including into new areas, and constantly rearm. The recently launched operations of international Anti-Gang Forces, authorized by the UN Security Council, have become an important step towards security, but their contingent size needs to increase.
This was stated by the UN’s top human rights official Volker Türk on Friday, speaking at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council.
According to the subordinate department, from January 1 to September 11 of this year, at least 5,700 people were killed or injured as a result of the actions of the gangs themselves or during operations against them. The bandits kidnapped about 230 people. More than a thousand women and girls were subjected to rape.
“Law enforcement operations cause serious concern due to unjustified and disproportionate use of force. Since the beginning of the year, more than half of all victims have suffered in the context of security operations,” said Türk.
He reported that people suspected of gang connections continue to be executed without trial, although the number of extrajudicial executions carried out by specialized police units has decreased by almost half compared to 2025.
The humanitarian crisis in the country is rapidly expanding: more than half of Haitians are experiencing acute food shortages, 40 percent are deprived of access to basic medical care, and about 1.5 million people have been forced to leave their homes.
Tyrk also noted that the recruitment of children by gangs increased nearly threefold in 2025. From 30 to 50 percent of gang members are minors.
The High Commissioner emphasized that the only legitimate way to restore constitutional order is through free and fair elections, but the current conditions make their holding unlikely.
Türk called on the international community to take comprehensive measures to resolve the crisis in Haiti, including imposing sanctions not only against gang leaders but also against their patrons, ensuring strict compliance with the arms embargo and halting arms supplies to the country, supporting the full-scale deployment of the Anti-Gang Task Forces with strict respect for human rights, as well as strengthening the prosecution of those responsible for mass crimes, corruption, and financial abuses.
According to him, restoring stability requires strengthening the rule of law, combating impunity, and long-term international support for Haiti.
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