Haiti grapples with worsening violence as UN reports over 2,500 casualties

This represents a staggering 53% increase compared to the previous quarter and highlights the deepening security crisis gripping the Caribbean nation.

The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) documented these casualties, which include both fatalities and those sustaining serious injuries, linked to violence perpetrated by armed groups.  This figure is even more concerning when considering that 3% of the victims were minors.

The report underscores the multifaceted crisis Haiti faces. Beyond the surge in violence, the country is grappling with a political vacuum and a severe humanitarian situation.

While kidnappings, a tactic frequently used by gangs to extort ransoms, showed a 37% decrease compared to late 2023, the report documented at least 438 kidnappings in the first three months of this year.

The capital, Port-au-Prince, and its surrounding areas remain the epicenter of the violence, with 80% of the casualties concentrated there. The UN specifically warns of "extremely violent" clashes between rival gangs vying for territorial control.

Displacement due to violence is another growing concern. The report estimates that over 360,000 Haitians are currently internally displaced, with over 53,000 people fleeing Port-au-Prince in March alone due to the escalating attacks.

The UN report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for solutions to address the multifaceted crisis Haiti is facing. (ILKHA)