UN Report: More Than 600 Killed in Haiti Gang Violence Between March and July
BINUH documents a surge in armed clashes, security operations and abuses that displaced over 18,000 people around the capital.
At least 613 people were killed and 375 injured in Haiti between March and July as criminal gangs fought for territory and security forces conducted operations against them, according to a United Nations report published on 6 August by the Human Rights Service of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), as reported by the Sri Lanka Guardian. The findings are part of a developing account drawn from a single outlet.
Most incidents occurred between Cité Soleil and the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac, a zone that includes the capital's container port, international airport and two main roads. The report attributes 90% of casualties to gang violence, nearly 9% to security operations and 1% to popular violence. Almost a third of victims — 214 killed and 139 injured — had no connection to the conflict, including 111 women and 77 children.
The violence displaced more than 18,000 people, and around 176 women and girls aged 10 to 71 were subjected to sexual abuse by gang members, the UN said. The report documents links between Haitian National Police officers and gangs, with at least five officers detained. It also cites the reconfiguration of the Viv Ansanm coalition led by Jimmy Chérizier. The UN-authorised Gang Suppression Force has yet to fully deploy.