According to the latest report published at the end of July by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), at least 1,807 victims (avg. 20 per day) were recorded (killed, injured or kidnapped) during the second quarter of 2024, bringing this number to nearly 3,900 for the first 6 months.

At least 428 people were kidnapped (avg. 4.7 per day) for ransom during this period

The highest number of killings and injuries continued to be recorded in the capital and in Artibonite, where gangs continued their attacks on rural populations, including in communes in the north of the department previously spared from violence.

The report highlights an increase in sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. Several victims were attacked by groups of young armed men while they were moving around, on foot, in public transport vehicles or even inside displacement sites in the capital. After being raped, some of them were shot dead.

The impact of violence on children remains particularly worrying. Between April and June, at least 49 boys and girls were killed or injured in gang attacks or by stray bullets during police operations. Others, suspected of having committed minor offences, were lynched by members of the population. The report highlights that children are also increasingly being used by gangs and “self-defence” groups to commit criminal activities.

Continuing their tactics begun in February and March 2024, gangs continued to vandalise, steal and set fire to public buildings. They also destroyed or burned down more than 450 homes and businesses (avg. 5 per day).

Threats and attacks against journalists, human rights defenders and persons affiliated with the State continued to be documented. In particular, judicial actors were the target of intimidation and attacks.

Despite some positive developments in the fight against corruption, the paralysis of the judicial system continued due to violence and repeated strikes by magistrates and judicial staff. Since the beginning of the judicial year (October 2023), courts and tribunals have been functional for barely 10 days.

During the second quarter, 78 detainees died (29 during the first quarter), most due to lack of care, unsanitary conditions, insufficient food and lack of access to drinking water.

Faced with this situation of insecurity and violence, the report recommends that the international community keep Haiti on its agenda and accelerate the full deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS).

HL/ HaitiLibre