During the second quarter of 2025, the human rights situation in Haiti remained extremely worrying. Criminal groups expanded and intensified their attacks outside of Port-au-Prince, particularly in the Centre department and Lower Artibonite. A certain slowdown in their advance in the capital was observed, although the situation in some communes, such as Kenscoff, remained highly volatile.

"Gang attacks in the Artibonite and Centre departments, and in the capital, continue to cause serious human rights violations and aggravate an already dire humanitarian crisis, leading to massive population displacement with dramatic consequences for women and children in particular," said Ulrika Richardson, Acting Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator.

During the second quarter of 2025, between April 1st and June 30, 2025, 2,129 victims were recorded (1,520 people killed and 609 injured), representing one Haitian killed or injured every hour. In addition, there were at least 185 kidnappings and 628 victims of sexual violence.

The abuses of criminal groups caused more than 24% of the people killed or injured during the quarter. Gang members continued to resort to murders, gang rapes, and kidnappings to maintain their control over the populations living in areas under their influence. Cases of sexual slavery, sexual exploitation, and child trafficking and exploitation were also documented.

During this same period, 64% of those killed or injured were killed during security force operations against criminal groups, including more than a third during strikes using explosive drones. It is noteworthy that at least 15% of the victims were people not associated with the gangs, killed or injured while in the street or at home. Furthermore, at least four law enforcement officers also lost their lives during these operations. In addition, some police officers and the Government Commissioner of Miragoâne were also reportedly involved in 73 summary executions.

Finally, 12% of those killed or injured were killed in violence attributable to self-defense groups and members of the population linked to the "Bwa Kalé" movement against alleged gang members and those suspected of collaborating with them.

This armed violence has once again caused significant population movements and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. As of June 30, more than 1,300,000 people were displaced across the country.

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre