In its bulletin # 11, the Crime Observation Unit (COC) of the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH) reveals that 389 kidnappings were recorded for the first quarter of 2023 (January, February, March), an increase of more than 72% compared to the same period in 2022 and + 175% compared to 2021... 29 foreign nationals from 3 countries were kidnapped during the first quarter against 40 from 9 countries in 2022 for the same period, i.e. a decrease of 27%

The CARDH explains that several reasons can explain the increase in kidnappings, compared to the decrease observed in the last quarter of 2022, including :

"i) The need to compensate for financial loss due to the sanctions;

ii) The pre-electoral context;

iii) The fact that new areas are controlled by gangs and new alliances are created (Haut Bel-Air allied with Gran-Ravin and Village-de-Dieu / Ti Makak allied with Vitelhomme etc...;

"Faced with the inability of an under-equipped police to protect lives and property and the posture of international cooperation that is bogged down in the rhetoric of meetings, promises" the population begins to organize to protect themselves against the gang cruelty, (natural right) ."Bandits are executed, in retaliation citizens are also killed" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39212-haiti-flash-the-neighborhood-self-defense-brigades-are-multiplying-and-worrying.html

"Given the gravity of the situation and to avoid the worst, international cooperation should get out of its cycle of 'promises, meetings, sending missions to Haiti..." For its part, the Government must assume its responsibilities by making changes in the public administration, by initiating the police vetting process… The population must be mobilized responsibly in this quest for security.

Download the full CARDH report (In French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/CARDH-Kidnapping-Bulletin-Janvier-Fevrier-Mars-2023-1.pdf

HL/ HaitiLibre