“The findings of this report are appalling,” said Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, during his visit to Haiti this week. “It paints a picture of how people are harassed and terrorized by criminal gangs for months that the State could not prevent. It can only be described as a living nightmare.”
Rape, kidnap
The new report states that from July 8 to December 31, 2022, gang violence resulted 263 murders in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cité Soleil, an impoverished, densely populated commune near the capital, Port-au-Prince. It records at least 57 cases of gang rape of women and girlsas well as kidnappings and sexual exploitation.
In just one day, July 8, gang members killed 95 people, including 6 children, one of whom was only 2 years old.
Increase in sniper attacks
The situation in Brooklyn mirrors the plight of hundreds of thousands of others in Haiti, who reside in areas under the control of heavily armed gangs, reports the General Office for Human Rights. of the United Nations in Haiti (BINUH) speak.
Gang G-9 spread terror using snipers, who kill indiscriminately anyone in sight, the report said, adding that an average of six people are killed each week by snipers.
The gang blocked access to the neighborhood, thereby controlling access to basic necessities such as food and medical services. Unsanitary conditions have worsened, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera.
terrible detail
The report covers the case of Rose, a pregnant mother of four, was brutally beaten and raped in front of her children. by three heavily armed masked men who burst into her home in Cité Soleil. Earlier in the day, Rose’s husband was shot by members of the same gang. Before leaving, the gunmen burned her home.
Mr. Türk said: “Cité Soleil’s case is not an isolated case and sadly many Haitians are going through similar ordeals. “It’s time for the international community to help the Haitian government regain full controlso that this suffering may come to an end.”
Call for support force
The UN’s head of human rights called for strengthening security forces and the justice system. All the perpetrators and those who provide support and financial support to the gangs must be prosecuted and tried according to the lawand all victims are recognized and their right to truth, justice and compensation must be upheld, he said.
“I also urge the international community to urgently consider the implementation of a limited-time dedicated support force under conditions consistent with international human rights law and standards, with a comprehensive and precise plan of action,” the United Nations’ head of human rights told reporters at A press conference in Haiti on Friday.
Create a gang-free area
This, he said, must be accompanied by a rapid and sustained re-establishment of State institutions in gang-free areas. In addition, there is a need for profound reform of the judicial system and the courts.
“Punishment mode is an important first step” he say. “It needs to be accompanied by bringing the perpetrators to justice in Haiti.”
The recent political and humanitarian crises in Haiti have left nearly 5 million people – half the country’s population – facing severe starvation. A war for territory between an alliance of gangs only makes the current situation worse.
If you want to watch a clip of the High Commissioner’s final press conference, visit our UNIFEED page This.
