According to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), during the first quarter of the year (January-March 2026), at least 1,642 people (the fourth-highest quarter since 2022) were killed and 745 others injured.

"Despite security advances in certain areas of downtown Port-au-Prince, insecurity is daily and unbearable for a large number of Haitians, and violence continues to spread beyond the capital, particularly in Artibonite and the Centre," underscored the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti and Head of BINUH, Carlos Ruiz Massieu.

Based on trends observed at the end of last year, operations conducted by security forces have limited the territorial expansion of gangs in the heart of the capital and have contributed to a reduction in their criminal activities in several neighborhoods.

However, in the areas under their control, the gangs continued to commit numerous human rights abuses, including targeted killings, kidnappings, extortion, and property destruction.

On the outskirts of the capital and in the Artibonite region, the gangs also committed serious atrocities against the population. For example, between March 29 and 31, gang members carried out coordinated attacks on 16 localities in Lower Artibonite, where several self-defense groups were based. In total, at least 83 residents were killed and 38 others wounded. Some victims were dragged from their beds in the middle of the night and then shot dead in front of their homes.

During the quarter, gang members were also responsible for sexual violence, including gang rapes and cases of sexual exploitation, against more than 292 victims, primarily women and girls aged 12 to 17.

The report also highlights the continued allegations of summary executions or attempted summary executions involving members of the police. Mostly documented in specific locations in the capital, these incidents resulted in the deaths of 33 people and injuries to 7 others. Informed by BINUH, the Inspector General of the Haitian National Police has opened investigations into all of these cases.

Download the full Q1 report (English PDF, 24 pages) : haitilibre.com/docs/Quarterly-Report-on-the-Human-Rights-situation-in-Haiti-(Jan---March-2026)_0.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre