The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for immediate international intervention to address the growing human rights crisis in Haiti. The OHCHR warns that Haiti’s situation, primarily fueled by rampant gang violence and governmental dysfunction, requires global attention to restore law and order and rebuild state institutions.
Haiti’s crisis stems from the collapse of public authority and pervasive gang control, which has led to the destruction of essential infrastructure like hospitals and schools. With the majority of Port-au-Prince under gang control, violence continues to devastate the population, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, girls, and children. These groups face widespread violence, including kidnappings and sexual abuse, while many children are coerced into gang life due to poverty and lack of opportunities. The OHCHR emphasized the urgent need for psychological support and rehabilitation for these young victims of violence.
The ongoing flow of weapons, despite a UN arms embargo, has exacerbated the crisis by fueling gang violence, with arms often ending up in the hands of criminal organizations. This not only destabilizes Haiti but also affects neighboring countries, fostering regional organized crime.
To address the crisis, the OHCHR highlighted the importance of enhancing Haiti’s judicial system to effectively prosecute corruption, sexual violence, and other mass crimes. The UN has already established the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) to assist in restoring governance and strengthening law enforcement.
Despite the creation of a Multinational Security Support Mission in 2023 and the involvement of Guatemalan and Salvadoran soldiers in 2025, gang violence reached alarming levels in 2024, with increased fatalities and worsening insecurity. The OHCHR has stressed the need for more financial support and international cooperation to ensure Haiti’s long-term stability and human rights protection.
The situation remains dire, with no immediate end in sight to the cycle of violence and human rights violations plaguing the country.
