Over 90% of the Metropolitan Area Under Gang Control, an Alarming Finding by the UN Security Council

During the United Nations Security Council meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Deputy Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča highlighted the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti. He urged the international community to act quickly. In his speech, Miroslav Jenča painted a grim picture of the current situation in Haiti. “Since my last visit to Haiti in January, to consult with authorities on the Secretary-General’s recommendations, we have continued to observe a strong erosion of state authority and the rule of law. Brutal gang violence affects all aspects of public and private life. During my visit, I was struck by the profound transformation of Port-au-Prince. The capital was practically paralyzed by gangs and isolated due to the persistent suspension of international commercial flights to Toussaint Louverture International Airport,” the diplomat noted. He continued, “Since then, gangs have only strengthened their grip, now affecting all communes in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and beyond, worsening the situation. Without increased action from the international community, the total collapse of the state’s presence in the capital could become a very real scenario,” declared the UN Deputy Secretary. He indicated that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti recorded 4,026 voluntary homicides this year, including 376 women, 21 girls, and 68 boys. This represents a 24% increase compared to the same period last year, and the number of internally displaced persons due to gang violence has now reached 1.3 million. While emphasizing the importance of improving the security climate for progress in Haiti, the diplomat called on the international community to act urgently to prevent the collapse of state authority. Mr. Jenča urged Haitian authorities to take concrete measures to combat the current impunity for these heinous crimes. Furthermore, the Head of the UN Regional Centre commended “the continuous efforts of the Caribbean Community, particularly through the Group of Eminent Persons, to foster dialogue and collaboration among Haitian stakeholders, which have proven essential in advancing the country’s transition towards the restoration of the rule of law and democratic institutions.” Finally, Mr. Miroslav Jenča reaffirmed BINUH’s support for the Haitian National Police to strengthen its capacity to investigate sexual violence and provide integrated support to survivors.