Amnesty International, a London-based human rights organization, has voiced “deep concern” regarding the escalating gang-related violence in Haiti, particularly its devastating impact on children, which it describes as occurring with “total impunity.”
Ana Piquer, the director for the Americas at Amnesty International, stated, “We have documented heartbreaking stories of children forced to work for gangs: from running deliveries to gathering information and performing domestic tasks under threats of violence.” She added, “Additionally, girls have been subjected to rape and sexual violence. The desperation of their situation is truly disturbing; many have been displaced or have nowhere to go. The violence in Haiti is devastating, and Haitian children are paying the price. Children are sustaining serious injuries that will change their lives due to stray bullets or targeted attacks.”
Recent reports indicate that at least 70 people, including children, died in a gang attack in the Department of Artibonite. Piquer emphasized the urgent need for resources to protect children’s rights and to end the impunity enjoyed by those who commit such crimes. “The need for resources to comprehensively protect children’s rights and prevent further abuses and violations is urgent, as is ending the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators,” she said.
In an oral statement to the UN Human Rights Council earlier this week, Piquer highlighted the widespread violence in Haiti, driven by armed gangs that exploit and recruit children. “Reports highlight the severe impact on minors, including sexual violence and injuries from gang-related violence. The ongoing impunity for these crimes exacerbates human rights violations, particularly regarding social and economic rights,” she noted.
With the recent deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, led by Kenyan police, Amnesty International reiterated the critical need to establish safeguards against human rights violations. “It is truly concerning that the deployment of the Kenyan police contingent to Haiti is going forward, without transparent information regarding whether or how it has implemented human rights safeguards,” Piquer said. She stressed that it is essential for the MSS to be prepared to interact with children during its operations, including those recruited by gangs.
In July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported that the UN had verified 383 grave violations against children in Haiti last year, including recruitment, killing, maiming, and sexual violence predominantly by criminal gangs. Piquer stated, “Kenya and Haiti have a shared responsibility, as do their allies like the United States, among others, to stop overlooking the suffering of thousands of Haitian children. Introducing foreign troops into Haiti without proper human rights training, use of force protocols, and accountability mechanisms further endangers the population, particularly children, who endure the daily onslaught of violence.”
Amnesty International expressed concern over the lack of detailed public information regarding the MSS Mission’s rules and procedures, stating, “This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about all countries involved in the deployment of the MSS’s failure to comply with these obligations, and the potential human rights abuses once deployed.” The organization called for rigorous vetting procedures, thorough training on United Nations principles, and a transparent complaint mechanism to investigate allegations of misconduct.
“Comprehensive training on UN principles and human rights law is essential for mission personnel. An independent mechanism to handle complaints and ensure accountability must be established to protect children’s rights effectively,” Amnesty International concluded. The organization also noted that Haiti’s crisis has worsened significantly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, leading to rampant gang violence and widespread human rights violations. “Historical peacebuilding missions in Haiti have often resulted in abuse and impunity, underscoring the need for rigorous human rights safeguards in any security mission,” it added.
