The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk, announced on Monday that at least 184 people lost their lives over the weekend in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, amid escalating gang violence. The killings, attributed to the leader of a powerful gang in the Cite Soleil area, bring the death toll for the year to a staggering 5,000 people.
The violence has also caused widespread displacement, with reports indicating that over 41,000 people have fled their homes in the capital since November 11. Save the Children estimates that around 52% of those displaced—over 21,000—are children, many of whom have been forced to relocate multiple times in the past two years.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, the rise in gang violence has led to a dramatic increase in the number of children recruited by gangs. The UN reports a 70% surge in the enlistment of children over the past year, many of whom have been coerced into joining, while others do so out of desperation for survival.
The situation has worsened following the dismissal and replacement of Haiti’s interim prime minister, amid political infighting and corruption allegations surrounding a transitional council meant to restore democratic governance.
According to the UN, gangs now control an estimated 85% of Port-au-Prince.
