UN human rights chief Volker Türk says at least 5,700 people were killed or injured in Haiti between January 1 and September 11. The tally covers gang violence and operations against gangs. He also reported kidnappings and sexual violence, warning that armed groups continue to expand despite security operations and an international force.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council on October 2 that at least 5,700 people were killed or injured in Haiti between January 1 and September 11. His office’s total covers gang violence and operations against gangs. Türk warned that the actual figures were likely higher.[1], [2], [3]
He also said gangs had kidnapped more than 230 people and raped more than 1,000 women and girls.[1]
According to Türk, more than half the casualties occurred during security operations, with hundreds struck by stray bullets and explosive drones. People alleged to have gang links continued to be killed in summary executions by specialised police units. He estimated children made up 30–50 percent of gang members and said recruitment of children nearly tripled in 2025.[1]
Türk said gangs were expanding and rearming despite being contained in parts of the capital. Approximately 1.5 million people have been forcibly displaced. He described the first operations of the Gang Suppression Force, the international mission supporting security in Haiti, as a positive step but called for faster deployment with human-rights safeguards. He also urged enforcement of the arms embargo and an end to illicit weapons flows.[1]
