Port-au-Prince: UN human rights expert William O’Neill concluded his official visit to Haiti, where he reported worsening conditions due to unchecked gang violence, rampant corruption, and a dire humanitarian situation. O’Neill emphasized the crucial need for enhanced support to the Haitian National Police and stricter enforcement of international sanctions to curb the flow of illegal arms and ammunition that fuel gang conflicts.

According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, O’Neill’s observations highlighted the persistent and escalating challenges in Haiti. He expressed dismay over the security situation, noting that despite an international arms embargo, weapons continue to flow into Haiti, empowering gangs to escalate violence and expand their territorial control. During visits to southern regions such as Les Cayes and Jérémie, he observed the severe impacts on the local populations, now facing increased gang violence, inflation, and shortages of basic goods.

The situation for the police is dire, with inadequate logistical and technical capabilities to counter the threat posed by well-armed gangs. The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), although a UN Security Council initiative, has deployed less than a quarter of its intended force, severely hampering its effectiveness.

Civil society organizations have been forced to step in where the state has failed, particularly in providing essential services in gang-controlled and displaced persons areas. O’Neill pointed out that only 28% of health services are operational, and acute food insecurity affects nearly five million Haitians. The plight of displaced persons is particularly grave, with over 700,000 individuals displaced, more than half of whom are children.

O’Neill also shed light on the harrowing conditions in Haitian prisons, especially outside Port-au-Prince, where overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and food scarcity are rampant. The corruption that permeates the justice system exacerbates these conditions, with prolonged pre-trial detentions and a striking lack of convictions for corruption-related crimes.

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, O’Neill welcomed the Prime Minister’s prioritization of anti-corruption measures, including the establishment of specialized judicial units to tackle corruption and mass crimes. However, he stressed the urgent need for international support to enhance the efficacy of the MSS Mission and to hold the state accountable for combating corruption and poor governance, which perpetuate Haiti’s humanitarian crisis.