UN human rights expert, William O’Neill, who was appointed expert on human rights in Haiti in April, said on Wednesday that a specialized international force is needed to help fight gang violence in Haiti and that a weapons embargo should be implemented immediately.
He spoke after a 10-day trip during which he met with civil society leaders, government officials and victims of gang violence. He said the absence of government is palpable and that the lack of response by officials is affecting people’s access to water, food, health, education and housing.
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“I found a country bruised by violence, misery, fear and suffering,” he said, adding that all types of human rights are being violated. “It is urgent to take action. The survival of an entire nation is at stake.”
O’Neill added that while Haitian authorities face “immense challenges,” the government has a duty to respond within its limited capabilities.
“Entire neighborhoods are left to their fate, without access to any public service,” he said.
O’Neill’s visit comes as an understaffed and under resourced police department struggles to fight against warring gangs who have grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with gangs now estimated to control up to 80% of the capital. The violence has led to an increase in starvation, with people unable to leave their homes and trucks unable to transport goods to Port-au-Prince and beyond.
He said deploying a specialized international force that would work alongside Haiti’s National Police “is essential to restore the freedom of movement.” He also said that an embargo on arms, especially those from the US is crucial because Haiti does not produce weapons.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry called for a deployment in October last year, but the UN Security Council has not taken action, instead they imposed sanctions.
O’Neill noted that it’s currently not safe to hold general elections.
He is calling for authorities to restore operations at a court in Port-au-Prince that was captured by gangs last year and has not functioned since then, and on Haiti’s government to fight sexual violence.
