Haiti’s Urgent Need for International Police to Combat Gang Violence
Haiti Needs International Police to Tackle Gang Violence
The situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with the United Nations rights expert calling for the deployment of up to 5,000 international police to help combat the “catastrophic” gang violence plaguing the country. This increase in police presence is necessary as gangs target key individuals and critical institutions such as hospitals, schools, and banks.
Last year, it was estimated that Haiti needed between 1,000 and 2,000 international police trained to deal with gangs. However, the situation has deteriorated significantly since then, prompting the need for double that number and more to regain control of security and curb human rights abuses.
A recent report from the UN Human Rights Office highlighted the dire state of affairs in Haiti. Corruption, impunity, and poor governance have exacerbated the rule of law, bringing state institutions “close to collapse.” Gangs continue to recruit and abuse children, with some being killed for attempting to escape. Sexual violence is also used as a means of control and punishment, with women being raped during gang attacks.
The report revealed that the number of people killed and injured as a result of gang violence has skyrocketed. In 2023 alone, 4,451 people were killed and 1,668 injured. The situation has only worsened this year, with 1,554 killed and 826 injured as of March 22. The escalating violence has led to the formation of “self-defense brigades” and a rise in lynching cases.
To address this crisis, the report emphasized the urgent need for a multinational security mission to assist Haiti’s police force in restoring law and order. It also called for stricter national and international controls to prevent the trafficking of weapons and ammunition to gangs, much of which originates from the United States.
The targeting of key institutions and individuals has intensified in recent weeks, with attacks on hospitals, schools, and even the national palace. Human rights defenders, journalists, and perceived threats to gang control are also at risk. Disturbingly, children are increasingly involved in frontline activities and attacks.
The closure of the airport and roads has further compounded the crisis, leaving approximately 1.4 million Haitians on the verge of famine. The number of people displaced from their homes has also surged to at least 362,000, with the figure expected to exceed 400,000.
Re-establishing security is of paramount importance, and the swift deployment of an international security force is critical. Additionally, the installation and activation of a transitional presidential council are crucial steps towards stability. The cooperation of international partners, such as Kenya, is essential in this endeavor.
The situation in Haiti demands immediate action to prevent further deterioration and alleviate the suffering of its people.
