Highlights: More than 600 people were killed in April 2023 alone in "a new wave of extreme violence" that affected several neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, the UN has warned. At least 846 people have already been killed in the first three months of 2023, with more than 393 people injured and 395 abducted. Kidnappings are up 12% compared to the previous quarter, and sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon by gangs to impose themselves through terror and make the population suffer.

More than 600 people were killed in April 2023 alone in "a new wave of extreme violence" that affected several neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, the UN has warned,...

Haiti: with more than 600 dead in April, the country sinks into violence, the UN calls for help

A parent and child walk past police during an anti-gang operation in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, March 3, 2023 (Illustration image). AP - Odelyn Joseph

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More than 600 people were killed in April 2023 alone in "a new wave of extreme violence" that affected several neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, the UN warned Tuesday, May 9, which calls for the urgent deployment of a support force.

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According to a statement from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, "at least 846 people have already been killed in the first three months of 2023, with more than 393 people injured and 395 abducted during the period, a 28% increase in violence compared to the previous quarter." High Commissioner Volker Türk denounces "an endless cycle of violence in Haiti". "The human rights emergency calls for a strong and urgent response," he said on Tuesday (9 May).

In a quarterly report (January to March) released Tuesday, the UN points out that violence in Haiti is not only becoming more extreme and frequent, but is spreading inexorably as gangs seek to expand their control. Areas of the capital previously considered safe, including Kenscoff and Pétion-Ville, as well as the Artibonite department, are now affected. Kidnappings (at least 395 in the first quarter of 2023) are up 12% compared to the previous quarter, and sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon by gangs to impose themselves through terror and make the population suffer.

Among other modus operandi used by gangs, the report identifies incidents in which snipers fired indiscriminately at bystanders or homes. People were also burned alive on public transport. The report also highlights the emergence of self-defence groups, called "vigilance brigades", following calls by some politicians and journalists for citizens to organise themselves to combat gang violence.

These groups are behind mob lynchings and resulted in the deaths of at least 75 people, including 66 gang members, in the first quarter, according to the report. During his first official visit to Haiti in February, Mr. Türk encouraged the international community to support the strengthening of Haiti's National Police and to urgently deploy a support force for a limited period of time. "I reiterate my call on the international community to deploy a specialized, human rights-respecting and time-bound support force, with a comprehensive action plan to assist Haitian institutions," the High Commissioner said.

The State has an obligation to protect its citizens. The public should be able to rely on police and judicial authorities to tackle gang violence. But the reality is that the state does not have the capacity to react. The population is therefore doing justice to itself, but this will only fuel the spiral of violence," he also warned.

(

With AFP)

► READ ALSO: Revolt of Haitians against gangs: "The authorities have exacerbated the anger of the population"

Haiti: with more than 600 dead in April, the country sinks into violence, the UN calls for help

Haiti: with more than 600 dead in April, the country sinks into violence, the UN calls for help

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