UN Chief's Urgent Visit Amid Haiti's Gang Crisis
UN Secretary-General António Guterres visits Haiti as gang violence escalates, leaving thousands homeless. Discover the alarming statistics and the new 'gang-suppression force' set to intervene.
Rising Violence and Displacement in Haiti
Haiti is facing an unprecedented crisis as gang violence surges, with over 1 in 10 residents now homeless. Recent U.N. statistics reveal that 2,300 people have been killed this year alone, and 1.5 million have been displaced due to the escalating violence.
During his visit, Guterres witnessed the devastation firsthand, passing through neighborhoods ravaged by gang control. The powerful gang federation, Viv Ansanm, is estimated to dominate 70% of Port-au-Prince, leaving many Haitians living in makeshift shelters. The situation has become dire, with more than 300,000 people displaced, including 18,000 who fled the Cité Soleil slum just last month.
New Measures to Combat Gang Violence
In response to this crisis, the U.N. has approved a new gang-suppression force, which is set to begin operations soon. This force, comprising troops from Jamaica, Chad, El Salvador, and Guatemala, aims to support Haiti's National Police in restoring order. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for international support to address the growing humanitarian crisis and stabilize the region.