Human Rights Situation in Haiti Remains ‘Very Alarming’, UN Report Finds
February 4, 2025
The human rights situation in Haiti remains “very alarming,” according to a new report released by the United Nations Human Rights Office.
The report, which covers the period from January 2024 to December 2024, documents a series of grave human rights violations, including:
- Extrajudicial killings: At least 1,000 people were killed by security forces during the period covered by the report, often without due process or accountability.
- Torture and ill-treatment: Detainees were routinely subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including beatings, electric shocks, and sexual violence.
- Arbitrary arrests and detention: Thousands of people were arrested and detained without charge or access to a lawyer, often for prolonged periods of time.
- Impunity: Perpetrators of human rights violations rarely faced accountability, creating a climate of impunity that has contributed to the ongoing crisis.
The report also highlights the deteriorating economic and social situation in Haiti, which has exacerbated the human rights crisis. Poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity are widespread, and the country’s infrastructure has been devastated by natural disasters and political instability.
“The human rights situation in Haiti is a tragedy of immense proportions,” said Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “The Haitian people have suffered too much, and the international community must act now to end this crisis.”
The report makes a number of recommendations to the Haitian government and international partners, including:
- Ending impunity: Investigating and prosecuting those responsible for human rights violations, including security forces and government officials.
- Strengthening the rule of law: Reforming the justice system to ensure due process and accountability.
- Addressing the underlying causes of the crisis: Tackling poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, and strengthening resilience to natural disasters.
- Providing international assistance: Mobilizing international resources to support the Haitian government in addressing the humanitarian crisis and implementing the recommendations of the report.
The report was welcomed by human rights groups, but they also expressed concern that the recommendations may not be implemented.
“The Haitian government has a long history of failing to protect its citizens and uphold their rights,” said Pierre Esperance, director of the Haitian National Human Rights Network. “We urge the international community to remain engaged with Haiti and to ensure that the recommendations of this report are fully implemented.”
Human rights situation in Haiti remains ‘very alarming’, UN report finds
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