(2024-03) Quarterly Report on the Human Rights Situation in Haiti
Summary — This quarterly report details the human rights situation in Haiti from January to March 2024, highlighting a significant increase in gang violence. Over 2,500 people were killed or injured, and widespread attacks targeted public institutions and infrastructure, leading to mass prison escapes. The report also covers the impact on economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as the challenges faced by the judicial system.
Key Findings
- At least 2,505 people were killed or injured due to gang violence, making Jan-Mar 2024 the most violent period since early 2022.
- Gangs carried out large-scale, coordinated attacks against key public institutions and infrastructure in the capital, leading to over 4,600 inmate escapes.
- Sexual violence continued to be used by gangs against residents and for child recruitment, while mob justice resulted in at least 141 deaths.
- The judicial system faced significant challenges including strikes, expiring mandates, and gang attacks, hindering its functioning.
- Gang violence severely limited access to education, health services, and exacerbated food insecurity, forcing over 54,000 people to flee their homes.
Full Description
The quarterly report for January-March 2024 reveals a drastic deterioration of the human rights situation in Haiti, marking the most violent period since early 2022. Gang-related violence resulted in at least 2,505 people killed or injured, primarily in the West and Artibonite departments, alongside 438 kidnappings. Coordinated gang attacks targeted key public institutions, including prisons and police stations, leading to over 4,600 inmate escapes and significant damage. The report also documents the continued use of sexual violence by gangs, the rise of mob justice, and the severe impact on children, economic activities, and access to essential services.
Furthermore, the document details the dysfunction of the judicial system due to strikes, expiring mandates, and gang attacks on courts. It highlights ongoing investigations into high-profile cases like the assassination of President Moïse and corruption allegations, alongside critical issues in detention conditions, including high pre-trial detention rates and inmate deaths from malnutrition. The report concludes with recommendations for both the international community and the Haitian government to address the escalating crisis, including accelerating security mission deployment, strengthening judicial capacity, and providing support for victims of violence.