More than 5,000 people killed or injured in Haiti due to gang violence this year, UN says

Between January 1st and September 11th of 2026, over 5,700 individuals have been killed or injured by gang activity or during security operations against them, according to the United Nations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk revealed that more than 230 people have been kidnapped, with an estimated 1,000 women and girls raped, though he noted the true number is likely even higher.

Gangs have held power in Haiti for decades, but their violent surge was sparked by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7th, 2021. Türk revealed that more than half of the casualties occurred during security operations against gangs, with hundreds struck by "stray bullets and explosive drones." The UN has observed that gangs persistently adapt and expand, seizing new territory and transport routes to threaten stability.

While executions by specialized police units have decreased, those linked to gangs still face a high risk of summary executions. Furthermore, recruitment of children into gangs has nearly tripled, as many minors see joining a gang as their only means of survival. Türk emphasized that "no child should be forced to choose between their lives and the security of their neighbors."

Haiti is set to hold its first presidential and legislative elections since 2016 on December 13th, but Türk stated that it is "hard to imagine the conditions to hold a credible election could be met this year" due to the current circumstances. A multinational police force has been deployed in Haiti since 2025 to combat gang violence, but they have struggled to enter areas controlled by gangs.