UN reports at least 61 killed in Haiti gang attacks as government signs security agreement
Key Points(5)
- The United Nations has condemned a series of attacks in Haiti that left at least 61 people dead, including 14 children, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen security amid ongoing gang violence.
- UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization had received “horrific reports” of human rights abuses committed between July 4 and 9 in Kenscoff and Pétion-Ville, areas within the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region.
- According to reports from UN human rights officials, the Village de Dieu gang carried out a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of residents.
- “Residents were killed while attempting to flee, inside their homes, or after encountering gang members on roads and footpaths,” Dujarric said.
- He said the violence was concentrated in the community of Robin, where the majority of casualties were recorded.
The United Nations has condemned a series of attacks in Haiti that left at least 61 people dead, including 14 children, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen security amid ongoing gang violence.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization had received “horrific reports” of human rights abuses committed between July 4 and 9 in Kenscoff and Pétion-Ville, areas within the Port-au-Prince metropolitan region.
According to reports from UN human rights officials, the Village de Dieu gang carried out a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of residents.
“Residents were killed while attempting to flee, inside their homes, or after encountering gang members on roads and footpaths,” Dujarric said.
He said the violence was concentrated in the community of Robin, where the majority of casualties were recorded.
The attacks also forced at least 5,840 people to flee their homes, while residential properties and telecommunications infrastructure were destroyed.
“Although the last documented attack took place on July 9, the situation remains tense, with gang members continuing to maintain a presence in Kenscoff,” Dujarric said.
Meanwhile, Haiti’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the representative of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), diplomat Jack Christofidès, as part of efforts to improve coordination in the fight against armed groups.
Under the agreement, individuals arrested during GSF operations, along with seized weapons, ammunition and other equipment, will be transferred to Haitian authorities.
The Haitian government said the initiative is intended to strengthen public security and help create conditions for the country’s upcoming elections.
Haiti has faced escalating gang violence in recent years, with armed groups controlling large areas of the capital and surrounding communities, contributing to widespread displacement and insecurity.
