Gang Violence in Haiti (2024):
- Over 5,600 people were killed in gang violence, a sharp increase from the previous year (1,000 more deaths than in 2023).
- Thousands of individuals were injured or kidnapped, exacerbating the country’s crisis.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Geographical and Social Context:
- Violent gangs control most of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.
- Haiti continues to struggle with political instability, further fueled by gang activities.
Notable Incident:
- In early December 2024, a massacre in Cite Soleil, orchestrated by the Wharf Jeremie gang, led to the deaths of 207 people, many of whom were older individuals accused of voodoo practices.
- Victims were allegedly dismembered and burned after being accused by the gang leader of poisoning his child.
Human Rights Violations:
- The UN rights office documented:
- 315 lynchings of gang members or people linked to gangs, with some reportedly facilitated by Haitian police.
- 281 cases of summary executions by specialized police units.
Impunity and Corruption:
- Widespread impunity for human rights abuses and corruption persist in Haiti.
- Calls have been made for holding police officers accountable for their involvement in human rights violations.
International Response:
- Despite a Kenyan-led police support mission, backed by the US and the UN, the violence continues unabated.
- The UN’s Volker Turk stressed the importance of restoring the rule of law in Haiti and providing logistical and financial support for international missions.
Urgency for Action:
- Restoring the rule of law and holding violators accountable must be a priority for Haiti, with calls for international support to combat impunity and violence.
