A gang attack in Haiti’s Pont Sondé left 70 people dead
Among the victims at the hands of the gang known as Gran Grif were 10 women and three infants.
“When the attacks took place, Gang members are believed to have burned at least 45 houses and 34 vehiclesforcing some residents to flee,” Thameen Al-Kheetan said in a statement. declare released in Geneva.
He called for a “swift and thorough investigation” into the attack, to apprehend those responsible and ensure compensation for the victims and their families.
Human rights violations increased
The attack occurred amid indiscriminate gang violence across Haiti, leading to an alarming escalation of human rights abuses and large-scale internal displacement.
More than 700,000 people have forced to flee their homes, making Haiti the country with the largest number of displaced people globally due to crime-related violence.
Mass displacement has led to widespread unrest in the country, with nearly half of Haiti’s 11.9 million civilians in dire straits. humanitarian assistance needs.
Gang violence against the people of Haiti has word spread capital Port-au-Prince to isolated rural areas. Common attacks included sexual violence, kidnappings, robberies, roadblocks to intimidate and loot civilians, and forced recruitment by armed gangs.
‘We cannot turn a blind eye’
United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCRis calling for increased attention, support and urgent solutions for Haitians affected by violence and unrest, including those who have been forcibly displaced.
“More than ever, the people of Haiti need our collective support and we cannot turn a blind eye,” UNHCR Executive Assistant High Commissioner Raouf Mazou said on Thursday after a three-day visit to the country.
“Increased funding, increased security and international solidarity are essential to provide humanitarian assistance to save lives and restore stability and hope in Haiti,” he added.
Despite the growing urgency of the crisis, funding for Haiti’s humanitarian response remains critically low and The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan calls for $674 million and is currently only 39% funded..
UNHCR is calling on the international community to increase support to address humanitarian needs and pursue solutions for displaced people in Haiti and those fleeing Haiti.
