Haiti Gangs Crisis: Top Rights Expert Decries Attacks on Hospitals
January 3, 2025
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The United Nations’ top human rights expert in Haiti has condemned the recent wave of attacks on hospitals and medical facilities by armed gangs in the country.
According to the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, Ilze Brands Kehris, at least 10 hospitals have been targeted in the past month, with several staff members killed or injured.
“These attacks are appalling and must be swiftly condemned,” said Kehris in a statement. “They represent a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits attacks on medical facilities and personnel.”
The UN official called for urgent action to protect healthcare workers and ensure access to medical services for the Haitian people. She also urged the Haitian authorities to investigate the attacks thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.
The violence against hospitals has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Haiti, where lack of access to healthcare is a major concern. Many Haitians rely on these facilities for essential medical care, such as childbirth and emergency treatment.
The attacks on hospitals have also forced some medical staff to flee the country, further straining the healthcare system.
The UN has appealed for international support to help Haiti address the ongoing crisis. The organization has also deployed a team of human rights monitors to investigate the attacks and support victims.
The Haitian government has condemned the attacks and vowed to take action against the gangs responsible. However, the gangs continue to operate with impunity in many parts of the country.
The UN has called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the gang violence in Haiti, including measures to improve security, promote human rights, and address the underlying causes of poverty and inequality.
Haiti gangs crisis: Top rights expert decries attacks on hospitals
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