These deaths represent an increase of more than 1,000 from the total number of homicides in 2023, according to figures reviewed by OHCHR. A further 2,212 people were injured and 1,494 were kidnapped.
“While these numbers alone cannot capture the absolute horrors taking place in Haiti, they do illustrate the violence to which people are constantly subjected,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. .
shocking massacre
OHCHR recalled that in one of the most deadly and shocking incidents, at least 207 people were killed in early December in the Cité Soleil district of the capital Port-au-Prince in a massacre orchestrated by the leader of the Pier Jeremy gang. .
Many of the victims were elderly people accused of causing the death of their leader’s son by practicing voodoo. To erase evidence, gang members mutilated and burned most of the bodies, while others were thrown into the sea.
OHCHR also documented 315 lynchings of alleged gang members or gang associates, in some cases reportedly facilitated by Haitian police officers.
In addition, in 2024, there were 281 cases of suspected summary executions involving specialized police units.
Impunity remains widespread
“Corruption, as well as human rights violations and impunity for human rights abuses, remain widespread in Haiti, which, along with entrenched economic and social inequalities, are key drivers of the multidimensional crisis facing the country. It has been clear for a long time that this is a part of the
“Addressing these root causes requires further efforts by the authorities, with the support of the international community.”
The Human Rights Secretary stressed that restoring the rule of law must be a priority. He added that to this end, the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti needs the necessary logistical and financial support to successfully carry out its mission.
Additionally, the Haitian National Police, with the support of the international community, should strengthen its oversight mechanisms to hold police officers accused of human rights violations accountable.
implement sanctions and arms embargoes;
Mr. Turk reiterated his call for full implementation of the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions regime against Haiti, as well as the vital arms embargo to prevent the supply of firearms and ammunition to the country.
“Weapons entering Haiti often end up in the hands of criminal organizations, killing thousands, displacing hundreds of thousands, and disrupting and destroying critical infrastructure and services such as schools and hospitals. “This will lead to serious consequences,” he said.
He further pointed out that the forced return of Haitians continues despite the fact that serious security insecurity and the resulting human rights crisis in their homeland make it impossible for Haitians to return safely and with dignity.
The High Commissioner reiterated his call to all countries not to forcibly return anyone to Haiti.
