By Oluwakemi Kindness
Gang violence has claimed at least 2,300 lives in Haiti since the beginning of 2026, with nearly 100 people kidnapped, according to the United Nations.
Speaking at the opening of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said the Caribbean nation continues to face a worsening security crisis fueled by powerful criminal gangs.
Turk disclosed that gang violence has resulted in at least 2,300 deaths, 1,100 injuries and 99 kidnappings so far this year.
He urged Haitian authorities to act swiftly to address widespread impunity and strengthen efforts to restore security.
“The Gang Suppression Force is urgently needed and must operate in line with international human rights law,” Turk said.
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has struggled for years with instability, as gangs continue to carry out killings, kidnappings, sexual violence and looting across large parts of the country.
The UN Security Council approved the creation of the Gang Suppression Force last year to help neutralise armed groups and gradually replace the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police, which faced concerns over inadequate funding and equipment.
The new force is expected to deploy in phases, with up to 5,500 troops and police officers authorised by the Security Council.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to visit Haiti on Tuesday in a show of solidarity with victims of the violence and to assess the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation
