‌ Haiti ⁣is facing a catastrophic​ surge in violence, with armed ⁤gangs​ now ‍controlling
most of ⁤Port-au-Prince. Despite ⁢the arrival ⁤of a ‍United​ Nations-backed
multinational security force in June 2024, the situation continues to
‍ deteriorate.
⁢

‌ According to data released by the UN Human Rights Office in January 2025,
⁢ ⁤more then 5,600 people were reported killed in Haiti in 2024, a 20% increase
⁢ ‍ from the 4,666‌ reported deaths in 2023.

The Current ⁣Situation

​ The gangs,frequently ‌enough operating with complex​ weaponry,have ‍expanded thier
control over key infrastructure and neighborhoods‍ in‍ Port-au-Prince.​ This
​ ​ ‍ includes control over vital supply routes, leading to shortages⁣ of food,
⁤ ‌ water, and medical supplies.The gangs are reportedly led by ⁤figures ​like
‍ Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, who leads ⁣the ‌G9 and​ Family alliance.
‌

The multinational security force, led by Kenya, has⁤ faced challenges ⁤in
effectively countering‍ the gangs. Thes ⁢challenges include logistical
‌ difficulties, a ⁤lack⁢ of sufficient resources, and the complex political
⁣ landscape in Haiti.
‌

Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis

‌ The UN⁤ Human Rights Office’s January 2025 report paints a grim picture of the
human cost ​of the violence. Beyond the ⁢5,600+ killings, the report details
‍ widespread sexual violence, kidnappings for ransom, and the recruitment of
​ ⁣ children ⁢into armed groups.
⁢

⁣ ‍ The escalating violence has triggered a meaningful humanitarian⁢ crisis.
‍ ⁤ Hundreds of thousands of Haitians have been internally displaced, seeking
refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Access to ⁤healthcare and
⁣ education has been severely disrupted.
⁢

Past Context ⁣and Political Instability

⁢ ‌Haiti has a long history of political instability and​ social unrest. The
⁢ assassination of President‌ Jovenel⁤ Moïse in July ⁣2021 further exacerbated
⁣ ‌ ‍ the country’s challenges. ‍The power vacuum created by ⁢his death allowed
gangs to consolidate their control.
⁤ ⁢

‌ ⁢ The current crisis is also rooted in systemic issues such as poverty,
‌ ‍ corruption, ‍and a