Port-au-Prince, 6 August 2026
Since March 2026, the area known as the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac and several neighborhoods in the commune of Cité Soleil have experienced a resurgence of armed violence. Gang clashes have unfolded in a context marked both by the reconfiguration and weakening of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition and by increased pressure from security forces in other parts of the capital.
Between 6 March and 31 July 2026, at least 613 people were killed and 375 others injured, primarily during confrontations between criminal gangs. More than one third of the victims were persons not associated with gangs, including 111 women and 77 children. In addition, more than 176 women and girls were subjected to rape, including gang rape, by gang members, often as a form of “punishment” because they lived in areas controlled by rival gangs.
“The particularly heavy human toll of the gang clashes in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area in recent months underscores the urgent need to strengthen the protection of the population, notably by ensuring that the Gang Suppression Force is provided with the resources necessary for its full and rapid deployment”, said Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of BINUH.The gangs also attacked public and private buildings, leading to the suspension of most commercial activities and basic services in the neighborhoods affected by the violence, including schools and health services. The humanitarian and socio-economic impact has been severe, with more than 18,000 people forced to flee their homes. According to information collected by the Human Rights Service (HRS) of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), several of the acts documented during these periods of violence – including killings, gang rapes, and the destruction of property and buildings housing essential service providers – could constitute serious violations of international human rights law. For example, on the evening of 13 June, shortly after the FIFA World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland, a gathering of more than 300 people, including a traditional musical group, was attacked by gang members, leaving at least 61 people dead and 20 others injured.
Among the victims were at least seven children, the youngest of whom was just seven years old.This level of gang fighting and human rights violations had not been documented in this part of the capital since January and February 2024. However, this area remains highly sought after by gangs because it is home to several commercial businesses and is crossed by two strategic roads that allow trucks coming from the capital’s container port and the Varreux fuel terminal to reach the country’s main highway linking the north of Haiti.In this context, the persistence of high levels of violence in the Plaine du Cul-de-Sac and Cité Soleil, coupled with the absence of a sustained police presence, has had serious consequences for human rights, economic stability, and State authority.
BINUH reiterates the need to strengthen the operational capacities of the Haitian security forces, ensure the effective protection of the population, and combat impunity for human rights violations. BINUH also underscores the critical importance of continuing efforts to ensure the full deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), in accordance with its mandate, by providing it with the personnel, equipment, specialized capabilities, and financial resources required. Such a presence is essential to regain control of areas affected by gangs, protect the population, and create the conditions necessary for the restoration of State authority in the areas most affected by the violence.-
--END-- Contact: Mathias Gillmann, Spokesperson; E-mail: gillmann@un.org
