The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported that in the first quarter of 2026 (January-March), at least 1,642 individuals were killed, making it the fourth highest quarterly toll since 2022, along with 745 others injured.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Haiti and BINUH’s head, emphasized that while some security improvements have been seen in parts of downtown Port-au-Prince, many Haitians face daily and unbearable insecurity, with violence also spreading beyond the capital, notably in the Artibonite and Centre regions.
According to trends observed at the close of the previous year, operations by security forces have managed to limit the gangs’ territorial growth in the city center and have resulted in a decrease in their criminal activities across various neighborhoods.
Nevertheless, within their controlled areas, gangs have continued to perpetrate serious human rights violations, including targeted killings, kidnappings, extortion, and destruction of property.
Outside the capital and in the Artibonite region, gangs have also committed severe acts against the population. Notably, between March 29 and 31, gang members executed coordinated attacks on 16 locations in Lower Artibonite, where various self-defense groups were situated. This violence resulted in the deaths of at least 83 residents and injured 38 others, with some victims being forcibly taken from their beds in the night and executed outside their homes.
During the quarter, gang members were also implicated in incidents of sexual violence, including gang rapes and sexual exploitation, affecting over 292 victims, mainly women and girls aged 12 to 17.
The report also addresses ongoing allegations of summary executions or attempted summary executions involving police officers. These incidents, primarily reported in specific areas of the capital, have resulted in 33 fatalities and 7 injuries. The Inspector General of the Haitian National Police has initiated investigations into all reported cases, as informed by BINUH.