Over 207 Executed in Port-au-Prince Massacre: UN Report
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A scathing new report released by the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has revealed that at least 207 people were brutally executed during a massacre that took place in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince in mid-December.
Targeted Killings and Mass Graves
According to the report, the massacre occurred between December 12-15 in the Cité Soleil neighborhood, a densely populated slum plagued by gang violence. OHCHR investigators found evidence of targeted killings, including victims who were shot in the head at close range or burned alive.
Mass graves containing the bodies of dozens of victims were also discovered. The report highlights that the dead included women, children, and elderly people, with some bodies showing signs of torture and mutilation.
Responsibility and Perpetrators
The report blames the massacre on the “400 Mawozo” gang, one of several powerful criminal gangs that control large swaths of Port-au-Prince. The investigators allege that the gang members carried out the killings in retaliation for an earlier operation by Haitian security forces against their stronghold.
The UN report calls on Haitian authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the massacre and to hold the perpetrators accountable. It also urges the government to address the underlying causes of gang violence in the country, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
International Condemnation
The massacre has sparked international condemnation and calls for action. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his outrage and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The United States also denounced the killings and pledged to support the Haitian government in its efforts to combat gang violence. The United States Ambassador to Haiti, Michele Sison, said that “this horrific act of violence is a reminder of the urgent need to restore peace and security in Haiti.”
Humanitarian Crisis
The massacre has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Port-au-Prince, where over 100,000 people are currently displaced due to gang violence. Access to food, water, and healthcare is limited, and the threat of further killings looms large.
Humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach the affected communities, as gang violence makes it extremely dangerous to operate in the area. The OHCHR report calls on all parties to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the victims of the massacre.
Conclusion
The massacre in Port-au-Prince is a stark reminder of the dire security situation in Haiti. The report by the UN Human Rights Office provides valuable evidence of the horrific crimes committed and the urgent need for action. The Haitian government, with the support of the international community, must work relentlessly to end gang violence, bring the perpetrators to justice, and restore peace and security to Haiti.
Over 207 executed in Port-au-Prince massacre: UN report
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