Ahead of an expected closed-door Security Council meeting, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for the urgent deployment, with no further delay, of the Council-mandated multinational security support mission in Haiti.

The fact is that, given the current circumstances, there is no practical alternative to safeguarding lives,” stated the High Commissioner. “We are quickly running out of time.”

Danger that poses a deadly risk to the security of a country.

Haitian authorities have labeled the recent prison escape as a dangerous risk to the country’s safety, stated Mr. Türk.

Over 4,500 individuals currently have confirmed to flee custody, including influential gang affiliates and individuals detained in relation to the murder of President Jovenel Moïse.

A cooperative gang attack aimed at destabilizing the Haitian government resulted in the break.

He stated that the current situation in Haiti is completely unsustainable for its citizens. He also mentioned that since the start of the year, 1,193 individuals have lost their lives and 692 have been wounded due to gang-related violence.

Crumbling services

Additionally, over 313,000 individuals are currently displaced within their own country, and various public services are deteriorating.

“The healthcare system is nearing a state of collapse,” he stated. “Hospitals frequently lack the resources to effectively care for those who come in with gunshot injuries.”

He cautioned that schools and businesses are shut down while gangs are exploiting children more and more.

According to him, the economy is suffocated by gangs who limit people’s ability to move about freely.

Violence ‘must stop’

Reiterating these concerns, various humanitarian groups highlighted on Tuesday the consequences of the violence on hospitals, health facilities, and schools in Port-au-Prince and other towns. This information was reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Ulrika Richardson, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, stated that since 29 February, armed gang violence in the capital has resulted in the displacement of numerous civilians and impeded their access to essential social services. This has worsened the already challenging daily life in Haiti.

She stated that this ongoing violence must come to an end. She also mentioned that over 15,000 individuals, with a majority of them already being displaced, have been forced to leave their homes yet again in the past few days.

The delivery of aid is hindered by acts of violence.

The delivery of emergency aid by humanitarian workers has commenced, however, the continuous and increasing violence has greatly hindered their operations, according to her.

“She emphasized the urgency for thousands of individuals who are currently lacking protection, safety and are at risk for various dangers. Displaced persons and vulnerable communities require immediate assistance and secure, guarded environments.”

Ms. Richardson stated that Haiti is currently experiencing a multifaceted crisis related to both humanitarian needs and protection. Whenever violent incidents occur, numerous individuals become trapped in vulnerable circumstances and require urgent assistance. She emphasized the importance of unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations to reach the most at-risk communities. In addition to aid, Haiti requires increased global support during this critical period.

The situation deteriorates by the hour.

During a media update at the United Nations headquarters, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that the situation in Haiti is deteriorating every hour.

Recent reports state that a leader of a gang has declared a threat of initiating a violent conflict unless Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry steps down from his position.

According to Mr. Dujarric, the United Nations will closely monitor the situation.

Source: news.un.org