LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The United Nations has raised fresh alarm over worsening insecurity in Haiti, revealing that gang violence has killed at least 2,300 people this year and left thousands more affected by injuries and kidnappings.
The latest figures released by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, highlighted the deepening security crisis in the Caribbean nation.
In just six months, the violence has left 1,100 people injured and 99 others kidnapped.
Haiti, home to about 12 million people, has struggled for years with political instability and growing gang influence.
Armed groups continue to carry out killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and looting across parts of the country, worsening humanitarian conditions.
Presenting his global human rights update at the opening of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk called for urgent action to end the culture of impunity fueling the violence.
“In Haiti, gang violence has resulted in at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries and 99 kidnappings since the start of the year. I urge the authorities to move quickly on the judicial units to tackle impunity. The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) is urgently needed and needs to operate in line with international human rights law,” he said.
READ ALSO: Congo Ebola Cases Surge Past 780 Despite Response Efforts
The UN Security Council approved the creation of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) last year to help restore security and dismantle criminal networks.
The force is expected to gradually take over from the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police, which faced criticism over inadequate funding and resources.
Under the approved deployment plan, up to 5,500 military personnel and police officers will be deployed in phases to support security operations across the country.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Haiti on Tuesday in a show of support for communities affected by the violence.
According to his spokesperson, Farhan Haq, the trip will focus on meeting victims whose lives have been disrupted by the ongoing crisis.
“This will be a solidarity visit, during which he will meet men, women and children whose lives have been affected by violence,” Haq stated.
The latest UN assessment highlights the scale of Haiti’s security emergency, with international officials warning that stronger judicial action and enhanced security measures are critical to preventing further loss of life.
