A report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reveals that 5,601 people were killed in Haiti in 2024 due to gang violence, an increase of over 1,000 from 2023. Additionally, 2,212 were injured, and 1,494 were kidnapped.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred in December, with 207 people killed in Cité Soleil, linked to voodoo accusations. Victims were mutilated, burned, or discarded at sea.
The UN also documented 315 lynchings and 281 alleged summary executions involving specialized police units. Impunity and corruption remain major drivers of the crisis, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Türk emphasized the need for rule of law, international support, and stricter oversight of Haiti’s police. He urged full implementation of sanctions and an arms embargo to curb weapons inflow. Given the severe security crisis, instability, and widespread displacement in Haiti, deportations of individuals back to the country haven also been criticized.