Headline: Human rights situation in Haiti remains ‘very alarming’, UN report finds
Dateline: 2025-02-04 12:00
Article:
GENEVA (2025) – The human rights situation in Haiti remains “very alarming”, according to a new report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report, which covers the period from January to December 2024, documents a wide range of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and sexual violence.
“Haiti is facing a profound humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing political and security crisis,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The human rights situation is dire, and the Haitian people are in urgent need of protection and assistance.”
The report notes that the number of extrajudicial killings by state security forces has increased significantly in recent months. In 2024, OHCHR documented at least 1,200 extrajudicial killings, compared to 800 in 2023.
The report also highlights the widespread use of arbitrary arrests and detentions by the Haitian National Police. Between January and December 2024, OHCHR documented at least 2,500 arbitrary arrests and detentions, many of which were carried out without a warrant or charge.
Torture and ill-treatment by state security forces remain a serious problem in Haiti. The report documents at least 300 cases of torture or ill-treatment in 2024, many of which occurred in detention centers.
Sexual violence also remains a major concern in Haiti. The report documents at least 1,000 cases of sexual violence in 2024, many of which were committed by members of armed gangs.
“The Haitian people are living in a climate of fear and insecurity,” said Türk. “The perpetrators of these crimes must be held accountable, and the Haitian authorities must take urgent steps to protect the human rights of all Haitians.”
The report calls on the Haitian authorities to take a number of steps to address the human rights crisis, including:
- Investigating and prosecuting all cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, and sexual violence
- Dismantling armed gangs and ending their impunity
- Strengthening the rule of law and promoting judicial independence
- Respecting the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association
“Haiti is at a critical juncture,” said Türk. “The Haitian authorities must seize this opportunity to break the cycle of violence and impunity and build a more just and equitable society for all Haitians.”
Human rights situation in Haiti remains ‘very alarming’, UN report finds
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