More than 5,600 dead as Haiti battles rampant gang violence

In 2023, Haiti experienced a staggering surge in violence, leading to more than 5,600 reported killings. This figure, noted by the U.N. Human Rights Office, reflects over a 20% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the alarming escalation of gang-related violence in the country. Accompanying the deaths were more than 2,200 injuries and approximately 1,500 kidnappings, showcasing the terrifying context within which many Haitians find themselves. U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, stated that these numbers, while horrendous, do not fully encapsulate the suffering and fear experienced by communities across Haiti.