Escalating Gang Violence and Sexual Crimes in Haiti Despite Sanctions

Despite the sanctions imposed on gang leaders in Haiti by the United Nations Security Council in October 2022, gang-related violence in the country is not only continuing but escalating, with a particular increase in rape and other sexual crimes, according to a UN spokesman. The sanctions included asset freezes, travel bans, and the blocking of arms imports for gang leaders and their enablers.

The report indicates that gang violence has spread, exposing the Haitian population to extreme and systematic violence, with pervasive incidents of rape and sexual violence. Since the sanctions were imposed, nearly 2,800 homicides and almost 1,500 kidnappings for ransom have been reported. Despite efforts by the judiciary, national police, and corrections service, they remain ill-equipped to re-establish the rule of law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been advocating for the establishment of a multinational force to assist Haitian police in addressing the situation.