UNITED NATIONS.- According to a recent UN report released on Tuesday, murders in Haiti recorded a worrying increase of 119.4% in 2023. With nearly 5,000 victims, this alarming increase is causing major international concern. The same report shows that the number of kidnappings also increased by 83% over the same period.
A total of 4,789 homicides were reported in 2023, affecting diverse populations, including 465 women, 93 boys and 48 girls. The murder rate per 100,000 inhabitants increased to 40.9, compared to 18.1 in 2022. As for kidnappings, 2,490 cases were recorded, a significant increase compared to the 1,362 in the previous year.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to “redouble its efforts” and help Haiti become a “safe and stable” place. He also emphasized the importance of laying solid foundations for sustainable development and ensuring the protection of human rights in the Caribbean country.
The insecurity, particularly concentrated in the capital Port-au-Prince, where criminal gangs are vying for control of various neighborhoods, has forced “hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes,” according to the report. Between October and December, authorities recorded a dramatic increase, with 1,432 homicides and 698 kidnapping cases, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Against this backdrop, Guterres urges the international community to increase its support for both humanitarian and development initiatives in Haiti. The focus is on protecting the most vulnerable people, without neglecting the necessary investments to address the root causes of instability in the country.
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SPRING: With information from AFP