UN warns that Haiti faces ‘unprecedented’ internal displacement

(MENAFN) The United Nations on Wednesday highlighted an unprecedented level of internal displacement in Haiti, attributing the crisis to the spread of armed gangs and their disruption of state institutions.

"There is no doubt that the circumstances are dire, but the Haitian people have not given up.

Their fortitude gives us hope," Carlos Ruiz Massieu, special representative and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), said during a Security Council session on the country.

He stressed that gangs have maintained control over the capital and expanded into the Artibonite, Centre, and Northwest regions, noting that the human rights situation remains "deeply concerning, with widespread abuses linked to gang attacks, violence involving self-defense groups and even some security operations."

"The scale and impact of internal displacement in Haiti is unprecedented, with more than 1.4 million people displaced," he reported.

Ruiz Massieu also highlighted the ongoing use of sexual violence, warning that "sexual violence continues to be systematically used by gangs as a tool of domination and terror against women and girls, impacting not only the victims and survivors but also their families."

Despite the dire conditions, he welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2793, which facilitates the transition to a Gang Suppression Force and establishes the UN Support Office in Haiti. "This decision reflects the continued engagement of the Security Council in supporting the restoration of security in Haiti," he added.

The UN envoy stressed the urgent need for political progress, noting that "the transition clock is ticking. I am concerned that a steady path towards the restoration of democratic governance is yet to emerge." He called for sustained inter-Haitian dialogue, strengthened justice systems, and international support to combat impunity. "Now is the time to swiftly translate this signal into real progress and turn the tide of violence," he said.

Haiti has faced chronic gang violence and political instability, which escalated following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise nearly five years ago. Rival armed groups took control of Port-au-Prince earlier this year, prompting Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign, and gangs now reportedly control roughly 80% of the capital.

According to the UN, more than 1,379 people were killed or injured, and 428 kidnapped between April and June. Around 5.5 million Haitians require immediate humanitarian aid amid a complex crisis fueled by civil unrest, disease, economic instability, and insecurity.

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