Haiti gang violence leaves over 600 dead since March

Gang violence in Haiti has resulted in at least 613 deaths, 375 injuries, and the displacement of 18,000 people since March, according to reports from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).

The violence is primarily driven by clashes between criminal gangs, including the Viv Ansanm coalition, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, Cité Soleil, and the Cul-de-Sac plain. Criminal groups currently control more than 85% of the capital's territory. The conflict has targeted strategic areas containing businesses and key roads connecting the capital to the north.

Human rights concerns are acute, with approximately one-third of the victims having no links to the gangs, including 77 children. Reports indicate a high prevalence of sexual violence used as collective punishment against women and girls living in rival territories, with documented cases involving victims ranging from age 10 to 71.

The United Nations has called for the rapid and complete deployment of a security force to combat these groups. This planned international mission is expected to include 5,500 personnel from 18 countries to reinforce security operations.