Armed security personnel patrol a damaged street in Haiti as the United Nations reports rising deaths and kidnappings linked to escalating gang violence.
Gang violence in Haiti has claimed at least 2,300 lives since the beginning of 2026, with nearly 100 people kidnapped, according to the United Nations.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, disclosed the figures while speaking at the opening of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. He said Haiti continues to face a deepening security crisis driven by powerful criminal gangs.
Türk said the violence has also left 1,100 people injured and resulted in 99 kidnappings so far this year. He called on Haitian authorities to act quickly to address widespread impunity and strengthen efforts to restore order.
He also stressed the need for urgent deployment of the Gang Suppression Force, saying it must operate in line with international human rights standards.
“The Gang Suppression Force is urgently needed and must operate in line with international human rights law,” Türk said.
Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has struggled for years with instability as gangs carry out killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and looting across large parts of the country.
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The UN Security Council approved the creation of the Gang Suppression Force last year to help neutralise armed groups and gradually replace the Multinational Mission to Support the Haitian Police, which has faced challenges due to limited funding and equipment.
The new force is expected to be deployed in phases, with up to 5,500 troops and police officers authorised by the Security Council.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Haiti on Tuesday to show solidarity with victims and assess the worsening humanitarian and security situation.
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