Shocking UN Report Reveals Hidden Crisis in Haiti!

A report released on Thursday by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights sheds light on the critical situation in Haiti, where the country is grappling with severe gang violence. The report highlighted that sexual violence in Haiti is significantly underreported.

According to the report, gangs in Haiti utilize sexual violence as a means to spread fear, subjugate, and punish the populace. The report also mentioned that sexual violence remains severely underreported due to various factors such as community stigma, the pervasive threat of retaliation by perpetrators, inadequate healthcare and psychosocial services for survivors, and a lack of trust in the justice system. The report emphasized, "Even when such incidents are reported, impunity for sexual violence is widespread."

In a press release, the OHCHR also referred to sexual violence in Haiti as "largely unpunished." The report stated that the OHCHR recorded the deaths of at least 4,451 people in Haiti in 2023 due to gang violence, with 3,801 of them being men, 538 being women, and 112 being children. Additionally, between early January and late February of this year, 686 people who were not involved in the violent exchanges taking place were killed, according to the report.

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed the urgency of addressing insecurity in Haiti to protect the population and prevent further human suffering. He also highlighted the importance of protecting institutions vital to the rule of law, which have been severely affected by the violence.

In response to the escalating violence, Haiti's Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, announced his resignation earlier this month. He stated, "The government that I'm running cannot remain insensitive in front of this situation. There is no sacrifice that is too big for our country." Henry indicated that his government would step down immediately after the installation of the council.