The United Nations has issued a stark warning that Haiti faces an increasing risk of mass killings and other large-scale human rights violations as the country works toward holding long-awaited elections amid worsening gang violence and political instability.
Presenting the latest assessment to the U.N. Security Council, Miroslav Jenča, the U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said armed gangs continue to expand their control across the country, creating an increasingly volatile security environment. He cautioned that without stronger international support and urgent action to restore public order, Haiti could experience even greater levels of violence in the months ahead.
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“The risk of mass atrocities in Haiti is real and growing,” Jenča told the Security Council, urging the international community to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the crisis. He warned that civilians remain the primary victims of escalating attacks, with gangs continuing to target neighborhoods, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
Despite the worsening security situation, Haiti’s transitional authorities remain committed to restoring democratic governance. Transitional Presidential Council President Fritz Alphonse Jean reaffirmed plans to hold constitutional referendum and general elections, describing the vote as a critical step toward rebuilding legitimate state institutions after years of political uncertainty.
Jean acknowledged that the security crisis presents enormous challenges but insisted that Haiti cannot indefinitely postpone its democratic transition.
“We are determined to return constitutional order to the country through free and credible elections,” he said, while appealing for continued international assistance to help secure the electoral process.
The United Nations reported that gang-related violence has intensified significantly over the past year, with thousands of people killed, injured or displaced. Criminal groups now control large sections of Port-au-Prince and have expanded into other regions, disrupting transportation, healthcare, education and humanitarian operations. The crisis has also fueled severe food insecurity and forced hundreds of thousands of Haitians from their homes.
The U.N.-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission, led by Kenya, continues to assist the Haitian National Police in efforts to combat armed gangs. However, U.N. officials stressed that the mission remains underfunded and understaffed, limiting its ability to restore security across the country. They urged member states to provide additional personnel, equipment and financial support to strengthen the mission’s effectiveness.
As Haiti navigates one of the most difficult periods in its modern history, U.N. officials warned that restoring security will be essential if elections are to proceed safely and credibly. They emphasized that sustained international cooperation, humanitarian assistance and institutional support will be critical to preventing further violence and helping the country move toward lasting stability.
