At least 5,700 people have been killed or wounded in Haiti this year amid escalating gang violence, while more than 1,000 women and girls have reportedly been raped, the United Nations has said.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk disclosed the figures on Friday while addressing the UN Human Rights Council.
According to data compiled by the UN mission in Haiti through September 11, the violence has also resulted in about 230 kidnappings. Turk, however, warned that the actual figures were likely to be considerably higher.
He said gangs continued to expand their operations despite the deployment of an international security force aimed at supporting Haitian authorities in restoring order.
“Despite some success in containing their activity in parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, gangs continue to adapt and expand, re-emerging in new areas and constantly rearming,” Turk said.
The international Gang Suppression Force, which is expected to have 5,500 personnel, currently has only about 1,500 deployed, according to Turk.
“The force remains far below the strength needed,” he said.
Turk also raised concerns over the conduct of Haitian security forces and self-defence groups, accusing them of using force in ways the UN considers unnecessary and disproportionate.
He said more than half of the casualties recorded since the beginning of the year occurred during security operations, with hundreds of people reportedly hit by stray bullets and explosive drones.
The UN human rights chief further said groups described as “self-defence groups” had killed or injured about 280 people so far this year.
The latest figures underscore the continuing humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti, where armed gangs have expanded their influence and challenged efforts to restore stability.
