By Ebi Kesiena
Haiti experienced a devastating surge in violence last year, with over 5,600 people killed amid ongoing struggles by a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya to curb gang-related chaos, officials reported.
According to the U.N. Human Rights Office, the death toll marks a more than 20% increase compared to 2023. In addition to the fatalities, over 2,200 people were injured, and nearly 1,500 were kidnapped throughout the year.
The Human Rights Office also documented 315 lynchings of suspected gang members or individuals allegedly linked to gangs, along with 281 reported cases of summary executions carried out by specialised police units.
“These figures underscore the relentless violence endured by Haitians,” said Volker Türk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement on Wednesday. He highlighted widespread impunity for human rights violations, systemic corruption, and abuses as key factors fuelling the crisis.
Gang activity in Haiti has escalated dramatically since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Reports indicate that gangs now control approximately 85% of the capital, orchestrating coordinated attacks on prisons, police stations, and even the main international airport.
The U.N. continues to urge international support to address the root causes of the violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
