UN warns of resurgence of gang violence in Haiti

He UN The Security Council on Monday expressed “deep concern” over the violent rise of criminal gangs in Haiti.And “taken note” of the Secretary-General’s repeated calls to send an international force.

“Members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Haiti,” it said in a statement.

Additionally, it “condemns in the strongest terms the escalation of violence, criminality and human rights violations that undermine peace, stability and security in Haiti and the region.”

In its report, the Security Council noted kidnapping, sexual violence, human trafficking, extrajudicial killings and recruitment of children into armed groups, saying, “Those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice”.

He also noted his role in the sanctions regime introduced in October against gangs. But these sanctions are currently only directed against one person. Jimmy “BBQ” Ceresier.

Also considered was a recent statement by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in which he reiterated his call for a special international force to be sent in, but with overstretched local police, unaffiliated with the UN, to help restore order.

“Concerned about the need for support for security”, Council members issued a new call “for all political actors to participate in constructive and meaningful negotiations that will allow for the early holding of inclusive, free and fair legislative and presidential elections”. As conditions are fulfilled.

Although no elections have been held since 2016, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who was appointed in July 2021 48 hours before the assassination of the previous president (Jovenal Moss), faces doubts about his legitimacy, with some experts considering that elections cannot now be safely held. conditions..

According to statistics from UNThere was a between January and March 20% increase In murdersCompared to the last quarter of 2022. For its part, in five months of this 2023, already 637 abductions63% more than at the end of last year.

(With information from AFP)

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