Between January 1 and March 31, at least 1,617 people were killed and 580 others wounded in violence involving gangs, self -defense groups or other members of the population, as well as in security force operations, according to to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (Binuh).
At least 161 kidnappings for ransom were recorded, 63% of which took place in the Artibonite department.
Large -scale attacks
This period experienced an increase in criminal group activities aimed at extending territorial control in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area. Aiming to destabilize Pétion-Ville, the municipalities of Delmas and Kenscoff were particularly targeted. In the center department, the gangs attacked Mirebalais and water jump to control the roads to the Dominican Republic and facilitate the escape of more than 515 detainees from the Mirebalais prison.
The UN noted that the actions of self -defense groups and non -organized members of the “BWA Kalé” movement remained a major source of human rights violation, resulting in at least 189 the death of individuals accused of gang ties or small crimes.
The UN also made an alarm on at least 802 deaths during security operations, 20% being civilians struck by wandering bullets. In addition, 65 summary executions would have been carried out by police officers and the government commissioner of Miragoâne.
Sexual violence
More than 333 women and girls survived sexual violence, 96% of which were raped, often raped by gangs. At least 35 children were killed and ten others injured during gang attacks, police operations or acts of vigilance. Many have also been treated and recruited by force by gangs.
Although the justice system remains dysfunctional, the authorities – supported by the UN – began to face impunity. The presidential transition council adopted a decree to create specialized legal units for mass crimes, sexual violence and financial crimes.
Increased deportations
Responding to an increase in deportations of the Dominican Republic, to the International Migration Organization (Iom) increased operations in Belladre and Ouanaminthe. About 20,000 Haitians were returned in April – the highest monthly total of this year.
“The situation in Haiti is becoming more and more critical. Each day, the deportations and violence of the gangs aggravate an already fragile situation, “said Amy Pope, director general of the IOM.
The sharp increase in extremely vulnerable deportees-especially women, children and newborns-is alarming. Since April 22, the IOM and the partners have helped an average of 15 pregnant women and 15 lactation mothers per day at Belladrure and Ouanaminthe Border Controlsings.
Displacement of the population
This increase in deportation coincides with another emergency in the Center department. The violence of gangs in Mirebalais and water jump have moved more than 51,000 people, according to the IOM. While many have found a shelter with host families, around 12,500 residents in 95 informal sites with limited access to services. More than 4,000 people have sought to refuge in Belladrure alone.
Mirebalais gang control has isolated Belladere, blocking humanitarian access, medical supplies and aid. Essential resources such as food, water and drugs are exhausted.
“This is a deepening crisis that extends beyond the capital, with cross-border deportations and convergent internal trips to Belladre,” said Grégoire Goodstein, Head of the IOM mission in Haiti. “The provision of aid becomes more and more difficult, because humanitarian actors are trapped alongside those they are trying to help. »»
In coordination with the Directorate of Civil Protection, the IOM provides drinking water and hygiene kits adapted to the needs of women and children. First aid, medical references and psychosocial support are offered.
Temporary shelters have been set up, including hotel accommodation for nursing mothers. The IOM also works with the National Migration Office of Haiti and the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that newborns and mothers receive immediate health care and vaccinations.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
