UN Calls for Action as Haiti Gang Violence Claims Thousands

Since January 2026, gang-related incidents in Haiti have caused at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries and 99 kidnappings, per the United Nations. The violence, marked by killings, rapes, looting and abductions, now dominates much of Port-au-Prince, forcing residents into public shelters such as a police station.

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The violence escalated after the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, which destabilized Haiti’s security apparatus. Armed groups then seized large parts of Port-au-Prince, undermining state authority and creating a five-year humanitarian emergency.

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The UN Security Council, acting on a U.S. proposal, approved the creation of a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) of up to 5,500 troops and police officers to replace the under-equipped Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police (MMAS). The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized that the GSF must operate in line with human-rights law. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk urged Haitian authorities to accelerate judicial reforms to combat impunity. Secretary-General António Guterres announced a solidarity visit to Haiti to meet victims and assess conditions. Türk delivered his remarks at the opening of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

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Critics note that the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police (MMAS) lacked sufficient resources to confront well-armed gangs, prompting calls for a more robust, rights-compliant security force. Human-rights advocates also stress persistent impunity and demand swift judicial reforms.

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May-2026 images show families crowding a police station in Port-au-Prince after clashes displaced them. Children stand beside police officers, highlighting civilian exposure. Local shelters continue to house those fleeing gang-controlled neighborhoods.

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• “In Haiti, gang violence has resulted in at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries and 99 kidnappings since the start of the year,” — Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

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• “The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) is urgently needed and needs to operate in line with international human rights law,” — UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

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• “I urge the authorities to move quickly on the judicial units to tackle impunity.” — Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

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• “a solidarity visit, during which he will meet men, women and children whose lives have been affected by violence,” — Farhan Haq, UN Spokesperson

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António Guterres will visit Haiti on Tuesday to meet victims and officials. The UN will begin the first phase of GSF deployment within the authorized 5,500-troop ceiling, with monitoring mechanisms to assess human-rights compliance as the force assumes MMAS duties.

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