(2025-04) Report of BINUH and OHCHR on the Events in Kenscoff
Summary — This flash report details the severe humanitarian impact of gang attacks in Kenscoff and Carrefour, Port-au-Prince, between January and March 2025. The violence resulted in at least 262 deaths, 66 injuries, and over 3,000 displaced people, marked by extreme brutality including sexual violence and arson. The attacks aimed at territorial expansion and control of strategic routes, highlighting challenges in security force response and coordination.
Key Findings
- At least 262 people were killed and 66 injured, with over 3,000 displaced, during gang attacks in Kenscoff and Carrefour between January and March 2025.
- Gangs displayed extreme brutality, including executions, sexual violence against at least seven women and girls, and burning over 190 homes.
- The attacks aimed to expand territorial control, access Pétion-Ville, and control the strategic Kenscoff-Jacmel road, hindering humanitarian aid to southern Haiti.
- Initial security force response to the attacks was delayed by approximately five hours, and there was a noted lack of alignment between national police leadership and the government.
- Despite security deployments, gangs continued attacks throughout March, consolidating control and spreading panic, exacerbating an already critical human rights and humanitarian situation.
Full Description
This flash report from April 2025 documents the devastating consequences of sustained gang attacks in the Kenscoff and Carrefour communes of Port-au-Prince's metropolitan area from late January to late March 2025. The violence led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with at least 262 people killed, 66 injured, and over 3,000 forced to flee their homes. Gangs employed extreme brutality, including executions, sexual violence against women and girls, and the burning of over 190 residences, aiming to instill fear and expand their territorial control.
The report highlights the strategic importance of Kenscoff, which overlooks Pétion-Ville and controls a vital road to southern Haiti, suggesting the attacks aimed to destabilize authorities and hinder humanitarian aid. Despite the deployment of specialized police units, FAd’H, and the MSS mission, there were noted delays in initial security responses and potential misalignments between national police leadership and the government. The report also provides broader statistics for Haiti, noting 1,518 killed and 572 injured nationwide between January and March 2025, in addition to 5,601 killed in 2024. Recommendations include strengthening judicial task forces, improving services for survivors, and enhancing police intelligence and territorial control.