UN Sounds Alarm Over “Extremely Worrying” Human Rights Crisis in Haiti Amid Escalating Gang Violence

Edited By: Africa Eye

The United Nations has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Haiti, describing it as “extremely worrying” in light of intensifying gang violence that continues to destabilize the Caribbean nation.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Farhan Haq highlighted alarming statistics: between April and June 2025 alone, at least 1,520 people were killed and 609 others wounded in armed clashes. In the same period, at least 185 kidnappings and 628 cases of sexual violence were reported.

Haq emphasized the urgent need for support, stating, “OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) urges immediate backing to maintain and scale up our response to protect the most vulnerable.”

From October 2024 to June 2025, gang-related violence has claimed the lives of more than 4,800 individuals across Haiti. Thousands more have suffered from injuries, abductions, sexual assault, and human trafficking, according to the UN. The widespread insecurity has also displaced over 1.3 million people in recent years.

Haiti has not held general elections for nearly a decade. The political vacuum deepened after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which was followed by an explosive surge in gang activity and widespread violence.

As the humanitarian crisis escalates, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and support efforts to restore stability, protect civilians, and uphold human rights in Haiti.