UN Reports Human Rights Abuses in Haiti's Gang Clashes

August 2, 2022

A woman guides her children around fires caused by violent protestors. [Image source: AP]

Cited article by ReliefWeb, referencing UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH)

HRRC's Response

HRRC calls upon Haiti's judiciary to prosecute and hold accountable those responsible for the deaths of nearly 100 civilians during an outbreak of gang violence. While police investigations are underway, the human rights violations must be addressed and the perpetrators lawfully punished by the judiciary to set an example and deter future gang violence.

Article Summary

Between April 24 - May 16, 2022, two gangs in the Cite Soleil, Croix- des-Bouquets, and Tabarre areas of Port-au-Prince, Haiti fought to take control of the area, resulting in the deaths of 94 civilians including women and children as young as one-year old. 120 more were injured and 12 forcibly disappeared. 96 gang members died during this three-week period as well.

Many of the civilian deaths and human rights violations were a result of rape, sexual violence, gunfire, and executions. Both gangs, the Chen Mechan and 400 Mawozo, had coordinated and simultaneous assaults in the capital city, without concern of innocent civilians. The gross human rights abuses are under investigation by the police, but there is little promise that the country's judiciary will prosecute and punish those responsible.