On the sidelines of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, William O’Neill, the designated UN independent expert on human rights in Haiti, in an interview, described the scale of the violence, which is largely fueled by armed gangs that control large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. O’Neill also noted that the influence of the gangs extends to other regions, further complicating the situation.

"There is limited social welfare, there is almost no presence of the State, especially in the most marginalized areas. The population lacks everything, from water to food [...] Schools and hospitals have closed, mainly in the capital. And the gangs have filled this void," deploring massive impunity for crimes, including serious human rights violations and abuses, partly due to corruption and poor governance.

"[...] the poor parts of Port au Prince where you find the gangs. And one reason you have gangs is that for many youths, there is no choice. Almost half the gang members are teenagers or younger. We interviewed a few during our visit in September 2024, and they would say : 'We had no other choice.' There are no jobs. Their families are going hungry. The gangs provide them with one hot meal a day, a little money, and a weapon. For many, that is their best option."

"[...] About two million children in Port-au-Prince have been exposed to extreme violence—gunfire, kidnappings, the murder of family members. Many have had to dive under their school desks to avoid being shot. The mental and emotional toll is immeasurable. Those who have committed horrendous abuses will require support to deal with the mental trauma or the consequences of that as they go forward in their lives. They will need psycho-social support and access to reintegration and rehabilitation, much like demobilized child soldiers in other parts of the world.

"[...] The Haitian people are suffering immensely, and the urgency to resolve this crisis grows by the day. If this drags on much longer, there may not be much left of Haiti to save," concluded William O’Neill.

S/ HaitiLibre