On its official website, the multilateral organization warned that, despite the strengthened fight against gangs in Port-au-Prince, the situation remains serious in that nation and insecurity is growing in other areas.

From April to June of this year, more than 1,400 deaths and 656 injuries were reported. Although the total number of victims decreased by 14% compared to the first quarter of this year, the reduction is modest and masks different realities, the UN Integrated Office in that country pointed out.

While more than half of the deaths and injuries are attributed to gangs, around 40% of the cases were recorded during operations carried out by security forces, and five percent are related to self-defense groups and acts of popular justice, it added.

The UN also expressed concern about events such as the one that occurred Sunday night when armed men stormed into the municipality of Kenscoff, set fire to houses, attacked residents, and murdered more than 40 people—one of the deadliest attacks carried out recently in that area, which has become an increasingly attractive target for armed groups seeking to extend their control beyond the capital.

The massacre, strongly condemned by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, shows how gang violence is spreading geographically in Haiti at the same time that authorities are intensifying their campaign against gangs in Port-au-Prince, the organization stated.

Furthermore, the UN expressed alarm at the increase in sexual violence, “the most brutal illustration of the collapse of the protection of civilians.”

In the second quarter, the UN recorded at least 796 victims of this type of crime, perpetrated by gang members.

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