Press Release
IACHR reiterates concern over escalating security crisis in Haiti
December 12, 2024
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dismissal of the Prime Minister of the Presidential Transitional Council
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exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis that the country is experiencing.
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Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) once again expressed its deep concern over the upsurge in violent attacks by armed gangs in Haiti. It urges the State to take action to guarantee citizen security, as this is a critical condition for achieving stable democratic rule in the country.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), armed gang violence spread beyond the capital in October 2024, affecting several departments. Attacks have been reported in locations such as Pont-Sondé, the municipality of Arcahaie, and neighborhoods like Solino, Cité Numéro 2, and Tabarre 27.
In the wake of the dismissal of the Prime Minister of the Presidential Transitional Council, violence in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area has escalated as armed gangs have intensified attacks on strategically significant areas in an attempt to expand their control over the city. A recent UN press release revealed that over 80% of the capital is now under gang control. More than 180 people died in the most recent attack, which took place in December 2024 in Cité Soleil and was orchestrated by a gang leader, pushing this year’s death toll to 5000 people, according to UN estimates. Air traffic has also been suspended following attacks on airplanes, and access to the country’s seaport is now closed.
The IACHR pack is particularly alarmed by the heightened risk of gender-based violence, with reports of women being used as weapons of extortion by armed groups according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This escalating violence and security crisis has also forced the suspension of humanitarian aid delivery, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis that the country is experiencing.
The deteriorating security and humanitarian situation throughout Haiti has led to a sharp increase in internal displacement. Between July and September 2024, the number of Haitians forced to leave their homes to move to safer areas rose by 22%. Over 40,000 people have been forcibly displaced by the recent violent attacks in Port-au-Prince alone. Of particular concern are the many individuals who have faced repeated displacement, as noted in a recent statement by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The IACHR acknowledges the Haitian State’s ongoing efforts to rebuild democratic institutions and the increase in operations by the National Police Force and the Haitian Armed Forces to restore security in the country, with support from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS) deployed since June. However, the IACHR remains deeply concerned about the prevailing uncertainty and instability in the country in response to the change in leadership. It urges the Haitian State to adopt comprehensive measures to guarantee the security of its population, in meaningful consultation with the full range of civil society organizations. It also renews its appeal to the international community to step up efforts to support Haiti in addressing the severe security, food, and health crises that continue to threaten the lives and dignity of the population.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.
No. 316/24
2:49 PM