Human Rights Watch Warns of “Free Fall” Security Situation in Haiti

The security situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating and in a state of “free fall,” Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned, citing the escalating violence perpetrated by armed groups in the capital and other regions of the Caribbean nation, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement released on Thursday, HRW detailed how criminal gangs have intensified their attacks in Port-au-Prince since late last year, leaving only an estimated 10 percent of the city under government control.

Haiti has been grappling with years of violence as powerful armed groups, often linked to political and business elites, have fought for dominance and territorial control. The situation took a marked turn for the worse following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, which created a significant power vacuum.

In 2024, gangs launched coordinated attacks on prisons and other state institutions across Port-au-Prince, triggering a renewed political crisis. This campaign of violence ultimately led to the resignation of Haiti’s unelected prime minister, the formation of a transitional presidential council, and the authorization of a United Nations-backed, multinational police mission.

However, the Kenya-led police force, officially known as the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), has so far failed to regain control from the gangs. Observers have pointed to underfunding and inadequate equipment as key factors hindering the mission’s effectiveness.

In response to the escalating gang violence, so-called “self-defence” groups have emerged, contributing to further deadly clashes.

Protests have also erupted in Port-au-Prince against the country’s transitional presidential council, which has been unable to restore security. In response, authorities declared a new, one-month state of emergency on April 7th.

According to data from the United Nations, at least 1,518 people were killed and another 572 were injured in Haiti between January 1 and March 27, as a result of gang attacks, security force operations, and acts of violence perpetrated by the “self-defence” groups and other actors. This ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective response to address the security crisis and protect the Haitian population.