A recent United Nations report paints a grim picture of escalating gang violence in Haiti. The report, from the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, reveals that gangs were responsible for the deaths of at least 5,600 people in 2023. A further 3,700 individuals were injured or kidnapped. These alarming statistics have sparked criticism of the Biden administration's response to the crisis, with some arguing that more decisive action is needed.
The U.S. State Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that $629 million in financial and equipment support has been provided to Haiti, with $600 million already disbursed. This figure pales in comparison to the over $113 billion provided by Congress to Ukraine, raising questions about the strategic allocation of resources.
A particularly horrific incident occurred in early December in Port-au-Prince, where the Wharf Jérémie gang massacred at least 207 people. The victims, many of whom were elderly, were accused of practicing voodoo against the gang leader's son. Their bodies were subjected to horrific acts of mutilation and burning, with some even thrown into the sea.
Reports indicate that gangs now control a staggering 85% of the capital city. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has stressed the urgent need to restore the rule of law in Haiti and called for increased logistical and financial support for the U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS).
While the MSS has pledged over 2,500 personnel from various countries, only about 500 have been deployed. These personnel are significantly outnumbered by the estimated 12,000 gang members operating in Haiti, and reports suggest many haven't been paid in months. The State Department, while defending its efforts and highlighting a joint operation with Haitian police that resulted in the death of a prominent gang leader, acknowledges the need for further action.
The State Department supports a transition of the MSS to a U.N. Peacekeeping Operation, but this faces significant challenges, including potential vetoes from countries like China in the Security Council. Türk has also reiterated the importance of fully implementing the U.N. Security Council's sanctions and arms embargo on Haiti to stem the flow of weapons fueling the violence.
