Gang violence in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, has forced at least 1.4 million people to flee their homes, a situation described as an “unprecedented level of internal displacement” by the UN’s appointed expert on the human rights situation in Haiti, William O’Neill.
Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday, O’Neill stated that the “ongoing human rights crisis is causing immense suffering for the Haitian people, especially the most vulnerable.”
Up to 90 percent of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas are controlled by at least 26 gangs, with approximately half of their members being children under 18.
These groups engage in extortion, rape, murder, and kidnappings for ransom to assert dominance over territories, and clash with struggling Haitian security forces.
Shifting Frontlines and the Plight of Girls
O’Neill highlighted that thousands are “trapped in gang-controlled areas or on shifting frontlines,” subjected to “invisible borders.”
These borders present even greater challenges for young women and girls. “They are discriminated against because they are girls, live in gang-controlled neighborhoods, and are poor,” O’Neill said, recounting a girl’s plea, “I just want to live a good and safe life because this is my country.”
Haiti faces a deepening humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing violence, frequent extreme weather events like floods and droughts, and earthquakes. The country is also in political uncertainty, lacking an elected president since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Elections are anticipated within the year.
A ‘Challenging but Hopeful Moment’
As the appointed expert, O’Neill’s role involves monitoring human rights developments in Haiti and advising the Haitian Government, national human rights institutions, and civil society organizations to help them ensure the respect, promotion, and protection of human rights.
He expressed “deep concern” to UN correspondents regarding “corruption, impunity, and the weakness of accountability mechanisms,” adding that the nation is at a “challenging but hopeful moment.”
“If we can help Haiti combat insecurity, fight corruption and impunity, and protect human rights, then everyone will prosper,” O’Neill concluded.
