Quarterly Report on the Human Rights Situation in Haiti (April-June 2023)

This quarterly report from the Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation in Haiti between April and June 2023. It reveals a significant 14% increase in victims of killings, injuries, and kidnappings compared to the previous quarter, totaling 1,860 cases. The report details the pervasive impact of gang violence, particularly in the Ouest and Artibonite departments, where sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, is used as a weapon, and child recruitment into gangs remains a serious concern.

A major trend highlighted is the 'Bwa Kalé' popular justice movement, which led to the lynching of at least 238 alleged gang members. The document also examines the challenges within Haiti's justice system, including corruption and political interference, despite some positive steps like the certification of judges and prosecution of high-ranking officials. It addresses the dire conditions in Haitian prisons, with 85% of inmates in pre-trial detention and a 331% occupancy rate, leading to numerous deaths from malnutrition.

The report concludes with recommendations to the international community and the Haitian government, urging support for security, justice reform, and social services, and calling for the deployment of a specialized international force to assist the Haitian National Police.