At least 5,700 killed, wounded in Haiti gang crisis this year: UN
UN human rights chief Volker Turk reported that gang violence in Haiti has caused at least 5,700 casualties this year, with widespread reports of rape and kidnapping. Despite the deployment of an international security force, gangs continue to expand their influence due to the force being significantly understaffed.
Why it matters
The report underscores the failure of current international intervention efforts to stabilize Haiti and the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
Haiti's gang violence crisis has left at least 5,700 people dead or wounded this year while more than 1,000 women and girls have been raped, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said on Friday (October 2, 2026).
The figures, compiled by the UN mission in Haiti up to September 11, also include 230 kidnappings, though Mr. Turk said "the real figures are likely much higher".
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Mr. Turk warned that gangs continue to expand despite the deployment of an international security force intended to help Haitian authorities restore order.
"Despite some success in containing their activity in parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, gangs continue to adapt and expand, re-emerging in new areas and constantly rearming," he said.
Mr. Turk said the deployed Gang Suppression Force remained significantly understrength. The mission is intended to reach 5,500 personnel but currently has about 1,500 so far.
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