Gang violence in Haiti continues to escalate, displacing thousands from Port-au-Prince and straining already limited aid resources, according to the UN Resident Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson.
She updated journalists in New York on Wednesday on the worsening situation in Haiti, which has deteriorated dramatically since the installation of a new Prime Minister on 11 November.
The verified toll of gang violence this year has reached more than 4,000 dead, though the actual numbers are likely higher, and an estimated 700,000 people are internally displaced across Haiti - half of them children currently unable to continue their schooling.
"We see just over the past few days, thousands of people who have had to again leave their homes," Ms. Richardson said, expressing grave concern over escalating killings, lynchings, and territorial gains by gangs who are now consolidating their grip on the capital.
Chaos grips Port-Au-Prince
In statement released later on Wednesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also expressed deep concern over the intensification of violence in the capital Port-au-Prince, where a coalition of gangs is vying for full control of the city.
Over the past week alone, at least 150 people have been killed, 92 injured, and about 20,000 forced to flee their homes.
"Port-au-Prince's estimated four million people are practically being held hostage as gangs now control all the main roads in and out of the capital," Mr. Türk said.
Humanitarian response under strain
Despite immense challenges, humanitarian operations continue and the UN is committed to stay and deliver for the people of Haiti.
The UN has been delivering daily meals, clean water, and medical care to displaced populations. "The support has been extremely intense during very, very difficult operations," Ms. Richardson said.
Following disruptions caused by the airport closure, UN humanitarian helicopters resumed flights this week, allowing for the delivery of essential supplies and the relocation of personnel within Haiti.
"[We are] trying, of course, to relocate many of our international staff to the departments so that we can continue the development work we are carrying out throughout the country," Ms. Richardson explained.
Multinational security support needed
On Tuesday, the Secretary-General reiterated his call for Member States to bolster support for the Multinational Security Support mission (MSS) backing Haiti's police force and led by officers from Kenya.
"Gang violence must not prevail over the institutions of the State. Concrete steps must be taken to bolster the Haitian police force and support the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti to protect the population and to restore effective rule of law," Mr Türk also expressed.
Progress against gangs possible
Ms. Richardson highlighted a recent incident where gangs attempted to seize control of Petionville but were repelled by police and residents.
"That shows also both the intention but also the capacity of the [police], to actually gain territory throughout the capital," she said, praising the bravery of local law enforcement while acknowledging the significant challenges they face.
"We call upon Member States to put the needed support behind the Multinational Security Support mission so that it can in turn support the national police, but also to enable us to do our humanitarian assistance," she emphasised.
