In a solemn declaration, UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned a brutal attack by armed gangs in Haiti that resulted in the tragic loss of at least 40 lives. The incident underscores the escalating violence that has engulfed the nation since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021, which left a power vacuum now exploited by increasingly armed criminal factions.

The surge in gang violence has been catastrophic, with over 5,600 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The violence has also displaced more than 1.3 million people, an unprecedented number in Haiti's turbulent history, as gangs wield sophisticated weapons trafficked from overseas to dominate territories once under state control.

In response to the escalating crisis, a UN-backed police mission was deployed to Haiti last year, aiming to stabilize the situation. Despite their efforts, the mission faces challenges due to insufficient resources, struggling to make a substantial impact on the ground. The UN has voiced concerns about the potential collapse of the Haitian state if the gang-related violence continues unabated.

Amidst these disturbances, the Haitian populace suffers from severe human rights abuses perpetrated by all sides involved in the conflict. Guterres has urgently called upon UN Member States to bolster the international police mission. He emphasized the necessity for increased logistical support, additional personnel, and enhanced funding to empower the Haitian National Police. This support is crucial for tackling the gang violence effectively and upholding international human rights standards.

This latest plea from the UN Secretary-General highlights the dire need for international collaboration to restore peace and order in Haiti, offering a glimmer of hope to its beleaguered citizens amidst their profound suffering and loss.