The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to deepen, marked by escalating gang violence, a near collapse of state institutions and the increasing displacement of its population. Recent reports detail a surge in deportations from the Dominican Republic, exacerbating the already dire situation and straining resources along the border.
According to a report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), at least 1,617 people were killed and 580 injured in violence involving gangs, self-defence groups, and security forces during the first quarter of . At least 161 kidnappings for ransom were recorded, with the Artibonite department being particularly affected, accounting for 63 percent of those cases.
Criminal groups have been actively attempting to expand their territorial control, particularly in and around Port-au-Prince. The communes of Delmas and Kenscoff, aiming to destabilize Pétion-Ville, were specifically targeted. Further afield, in the Centre department, gangs attacked Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau, seeking to control roads leading to the Dominican Republic and facilitate the escape of over 515 inmates from Mirebalais prison.
The violence isn’t solely attributable to gangs. The UN report highlights the role of self-defence groups and the ‘Bwa Kalé’ movement, which have resulted in at least 189 deaths of individuals accused of gang ties or petty crimes. Alarmingly, at least 802 deaths occurred during security operations, with 20 percent being civilians hit by stray bullets. There were also reports of 65 summary executions allegedly carried out by police officers and the Government Commissioner of Miragoâne.
Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, with over 333 women and girls surviving such attacks between January and March . The vast majority – 96 percent – were subjected to rape, often gang rape. At least 35 children were killed or injured during gang attacks, police operations, or vigilante acts, and many more were reportedly trafficked or forcibly recruited by gangs.
The situation is further complicated by the increasing number of Haitians being deported from the Dominican Republic. Since , 701,614 Haitians have been deported, including 226,668 between January and October . This influx is placing significant strain on border health facilities and host communities.
The health system in Haiti is on the brink of collapse. In Port-au-Prince, only 37 of 100 inpatient health facilities remain functional. Nationwide, just 26 percent of the 268 inpatient facilities are fully operational, severely limiting access to essential healthcare. Looting, insecurity, and chronic fuel shortages are further undermining service delivery.
Between January and September , at least 6,760 people were killed, including 2,481 by lynching, and a further 50,621 were injured. Hôpital Universitaire La Paix (HUP) in Port-au-Prince treated 6,365 trauma cases during the same period, many linked to gunshot wounds and explosions. The lack of trauma centres, staff, and supplies is severely hindering the country’s ability to respond effectively.
Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be widespread and underreported. From January to August , 6,450 cases were recorded, with sexual violence accounting for 56 percent of them. Women (79%) and girls (14%) are the primary survivors, with the majority of incidents reported in the Ouest department.
The crisis was exacerbated in late October by Hurricane Melissa, which caused extensive flooding and infrastructure damage across the Grand Sud and Ouest departments. Agricultural lands were destroyed, health infrastructure was damaged, and over 15,000 people were forced into temporary shelters.
Recent reports indicate a particularly disturbing trend: the discovery of the bodies of Haitian women near the Dominican Republic–Haiti border. Authorities in the Dominican Republic confirmed this week that four Haitian women were found dead in this area. Some reports suggest these deaths may be linked to deportations, with concerns raised that the killings could be a tactic of intimidation, though this remains unconfirmed.
The commander of the Dominican Army affirmed that the situation in Haiti is one of “considerable insecurity.” One Haitian man has been detained in Elías Piña, accused of murdering several women in his home country. Further investigations are underway.
As of October , 1,412,199 Haitians – 12 percent of the population – are internally displaced. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health emergency appeal for , recognizing the unprecedented severity of the humanitarian crisis. The situation demands urgent international attention and a coordinated response to address the escalating violence, the collapsing health system, and the growing needs of the displaced population.
