Haiti faces an alarming surge in violence, termed a “wave of extreme brutality,” with numerous killings and thousands displaced. Despite the deployment of a multinational security force, gangs maintain control over significant areas, exacerbating the crisis. The UN has called for increased support and resources for humanitarian aid as the death toll and instances of violence continue to rise.
Haiti is experiencing a “wave of extreme brutality,” according to a consortium of UN agencies, NGOs, and donors, highlighting the recent surge in violence, which has led to numerous killings and forced thousands to flee their homes. The statement, issued on Monday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reveals the alarming severity of the situation as gangs exert control over large parts of the country, including most of the capital.
The group reported that entire families have been violently attacked, with innocent victims, including children and infants, killed while attempting to escape their homes. Despite the deployment of hundreds of police personnel as part of a Kenya-led multinational security support mission, violence has escalated, prompting concerns about the increasing inhumanity of the ongoing violence.
Approximately 4,000 individuals have been displaced from the Kenscoff region, with an additional 2,000 fleeing from areas such as Delmas, Port-au-Prince, and Petion-ville. The group called for all involved parties to put an end to the cycle of terror and restore peace in the region. Residents have reported fresh attacks, with one horrifying incident where a house was set ablaze with a resident’s father trapped inside.
Haiti, a country facing chronic instability, saw conditions worsen dramatically due to coordinated gang attacks against the then-prime minister, which forced him to relinquish power to an interim government. Efforts to reclaim control from the gangs have been hampered despite the presence of the UN-backed multinational security support mission, which currently comprises about 1,000 personnel.
Amidst this turmoil, the United Nations has called for enhanced support for the mission and the nation, where an estimated one million individuals have been displaced due to violence. The UN also launched an appeal for over $900 million in aid for 2024, significantly higher than the previous year’s request, which had only garnered 44 percent of the funding needed.
Last year, the UN documented 5,600 fatalities related to gang violence, marking a 20 percent increase from previous figures. Approximately 1,500 kidnappings were reported, alongside nearly 6,000 cases of gender-based violence, with 69 percent being instances of sexual assault. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime declared on Monday that authorities are engaged in a relentless campaign against the gangs, expressing commitment to empowering police and military forces to eradicate gang presence.
In conclusion, Haiti continues to grapple with escalating violence stemming from gang control, resulting in significant casualties and displacement of citizens. The international community, led by the United Nations, has urgently called for increased resources and support to restore order and aid those affected by the crisis. The situation remains dire, necessitating immediate action to curb the violence and provide humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable population.
Original Source: www.france24.com
