UN Rights Expert Calls for Immediate Action as Haiti Crisis Escalates – Reuters

PORT-AU-PRINCE – The United Nations’ human rights expert on Haiti announced on Friday that the situation in the troubled Caribbean nation has deteriorated, calling for an urgent intensification of efforts to restore security as the deadline for a security mission approaches.

"The solutions are available and already exist, but immediate and intensified efforts are necessary," said U.N. expert William O’Neill at the conclusion of his visit to Haiti. "This ongoing suffering must end. We are in a race against time."

Armed gangs, primarily equipped with weapons trafficked from the United States, have gained control of much of the capital and are spreading into surrounding areas. This surge has led to widespread displacement, shortages of food and medical supplies, extreme hunger, and rampant sexual violence.

In 2022, Haiti’s former government requested international assistance to help stabilize its police force. However, with less than two weeks remaining in the mission’s initial one-year mandate, less than 25% of the promised troops have arrived, and progress has been minimal.

"The resources and equipment provided are inadequate," O’Neill stated, noting that the flow of firearms and ammunition continues, enabling gangs to launch large-scale attacks and expand their influence.

Currently, approximately 700,000 individuals are internally displaced, with about half being children—a significant increase from nearly 580,000 in June.

Areas that were previously unaffected by the violence are now experiencing soaring inflation, critical shortages, and an influx of displaced persons. Additionally, there has been a rise in sexual violence, child trafficking, and the recruitment of children into gangs.

Less than a third of Haiti’s health services are operating normally, and nearly 5 million people are facing severe hunger, particularly in prisons where many inmates have died in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions due to a lack of food.

Over 80% of prisoners have yet to stand trial, and anti-corruption units are struggling to address pervasive corruption that undermines the system at all levels, resulting in "almost complete impunity."

So far, around 400 of the promised 2,900 troops from various countries have arrived, along with only $63 million contributed to the U.N.’s dedicated trust fund for Haiti.