UN Warns of Severe Violence as Haiti Faces Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Haiti is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to rising gang violence, leading to mass displacements and killings. A consortium of aid groups has reported a wave of brutality, emphasizing the need for urgent international assistance as conditions worsen despite the presence of peacekeeping forces.

Haiti is experiencing a “wave of extreme brutality” characterized by rampant violence and numerous killings, leading to thousands of individuals being displaced from their homes, according to a consortium of United Nations agencies, NGOs, and donors. The statement highlights horrific incidents, including entire families being killed and children shot while attempting to escape.

Control over significant areas of Haiti, particularly the capital, is predominantly held by gangs, and the security situation has deteriorated despite the deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS). The group expressed deep concern over the exceptionally high levels of violence since January, resulting in substantial loss of life and the displacement of approximately 4,000 people from the Kenscoff area alone.

Residents reported fresh assaults late Monday, including a tragic incident where a house was set ablaze with a family member inside. Witness accounts describe surprise attacks by gangs during moments when community security forces were least prepared. The ongoing violence, attributed to coordinated gang actions initiated last year, has exacerbated the instability in what is already the poorest nation in the Americas.

The UN-approved MSS currently comprises around 1,000 personnel, primarily from Kenya, while calls for increased international support have become more urgent in response to the escalating crisis. A recent UN appeal requested over $900 million in aid for Haiti, a steep rise compared to previous funding efforts.

The situation has seen UN reports documenting approximately 5,600 deaths resulting from gang-related violence and a significant increase in kidnapping and gender-based violence cases. Haiti’s Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, in a speech marking his 100 days in office, asserted a commitment to combat the gangs that plague the country, emphasizing a relentless pursuit of restoring order.

In summary, Haiti is confronted with escalating violence and brutality, leading to large-scale displacements and mounting casualties. The UN and various organizations call for immediate action to address this humanitarian crisis. As gangs continue to exert control over significant regions, the international community’s support and resources are crucial to restoring stability and safety in Haiti.

Original Source: www.france24.com