UN rights chief urges US to halt Haiti deportations amid rising violence

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the United States to halt deportations to Haiti, citing the country’s severe humanitarian crisis and widespread gang violence. During a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk also urged U.S. authorities to investigate the deaths of at least 23 migrants in immigration custody since the start of 2026 and expressed concern over the potential use of electric shock gloves by immigration agents.

In Haiti, a major massacre was carried out by the paramilitary group Viv Ansanm in the Kenscoff commune. Reports indicate that the death squad attacked people sheltering in a church and in their homes, with death toll estimates ranging from 40 to over 70 individuals. The attack reportedly included instances of rape and hostage-taking. This violence follows a pattern of attacks in regions such as Gresye, Akaye, and Dessalines. Currently, approximately 1.5 million people are internally displaced in Haiti, and over 5.8 million people face the threat of starvation.