UN expert warns of worsening human rights violations in Haiti

Haiti.- Haitians are enduring widespread human rights violations as gangs exert control over more than 80% of Port-au-Prince and key highways, according to UN expert William O’Neill. Following a 12-day visit to the country, O’Neill warned that local police and international forces lack the necessary resources and equipment to stop the gangs, despite an international arms embargo. The UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS), authorized in 2023, has deployed less than a quarter of its intended force and remains inadequately equipped.

The violence has displaced at least 700,000 people, half of them children, and left nearly five million facing acute food insecurity. Gangs are increasingly using sexual violence as a means of control, and are involved in child trafficking, forced recruitment, and attacks on public institutions. O’Neill called for an urgent increase in support for the Haitian police, along with the implementation of sanctions and a selective arms embargo as approved by the UN Security Council.

O’Neill also urged Haitian authorities to address corruption and poor governance, which continue to fuel the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis. He emphasized that solutions already exist but require immediate and intensified efforts to protect the population.

Source: AFP Agency