A United Nations human rights expert has warned that gang violence is rapidly spreading across Haiti, as an underfunded and understaffed U.N.-backed mission targeting criminals struggles to make headway. The mission, which was deployed to help restore order in the Caribbean nation, faces severe resource shortages as violence intensifies.
William O’Neill, the U.N. expert who visited Haiti last week, stated that the country’s National Police still lack the “logistical and technical capacity” to combat gangs. These criminal groups continue to expand their control over new areas as arms and ammunition pour into Haiti, despite an international embargo.
“Humanitarian consequences are dramatic,” O’Neill said. He highlighted the devastating effects of gang violence, including rampant inflation, a shortage of basic goods, and a surge in internally displaced people, which has further exacerbated the vulnerability of the population—especially children and women
From April to the end of June 2023, at least 1,379 people were reported killed or injured in Haiti, and another 428 were kidnapped, according to U.N. figures.
In addition, O’Neill pointed out that at least 700,000 people have been left homeless in recent years due to persistent gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other regions. More than half of those displaced are children.
During his visit, O’Neill spoke with Haiti’s police chief, Rameau Normil, who expressed frustration over the lack of manpower. Normil revealed that Haiti has only 5,000 active police officers to serve a population of over 11 million.
“It is impossible to provide security,” O’Neill quoted Normil as saying.
O’Neill also criticized Haitian authorities, stating that the population “lack everything” and called for accountability in the fight against corruption and poor governance, which he said is plunging the country into an “unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”
The current U.N.-backed mission, which includes 400 Kenyan police officers deployed in late June, has been slow to reach its full strength, with less than a quarter of its pledged contingent in place. O’Neill warned that the equipment provided to the mission is “inadequate” and resources are “insufficient.”
Washington is currently considering a U.N. peacekeeping operation in Haiti as a potential solution to secure funding and manpower for the Kenya-led mission. Meanwhile, the U.N. continues to push for more financial support for the existing effort.
The situation remains dire as violence continues to escalate, further destabilizing an already fragile nation.
