The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for a crackdown on arms trafficking that fuels gang violence and criminality in Haiti, which has led to the deaths of at least 3,661 people, including 100 children, in the first half of this year. The situation in Haiti, already fragile due to political unrest, has worsened as armed groups with ties to political and business leaders vie for control. The UN report highlights serious human rights violations and abuse, including the use of sexual violence by gangs to spread fear.
Arms trafficking, primarily from the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, is fueling the violence in Haiti. The UN rights chief has urged the international community to impose a global arms embargo and other measures to curb the flow of weapons to criminal groups. In response to the surge in violence, a UN-backed multinational force has been deployed to Haiti, but only a fraction of the pledged troops have arrived.
Haiti has requested UN support to formalize the peacekeeping mission in order to secure stable funding and capacity to counter criminal gangs effectively. The interim prime minister of Haiti has called for international assistance at the UN General Assembly, emphasizing the need for help to address the growing humanitarian crisis. The number of internally displaced people has nearly doubled, and millions are facing food insecurity due to the ongoing violence. Efforts to address the situation through a renewed UN-backed mission and international support are crucial to restoring stability and protecting the lives of the Haitian people.
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