Recent data released by U.N. officials reveals a concerning increase in violence in Haiti, with more than 1,740 individuals killed or injured from July to September. This marks a nearly 30% rise compared to the previous trimester. The capital city of Port-au-Prince has been significantly impacted, as gangs now control 85% of the area, up from 80% previously.
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has raised alarms about the situation, highlighting that gangs are assuming roles typically held by law enforcement and the judiciary due to the absence of state representatives. The report indicates that the majority of the 1,223 killings in the third trimester were attributed to gang violence, while at least 106 extrajudicial killings were carried out, including the deaths of six children as young as 10 years old.
