Phoenix 24
The United Nations warns of escalating violence and institutional collapse.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI — July 2026. Approximately 1.5 million Haitians have been forced from their homes by armed-gang violence, while around 1,600 people were killed during the past three months, according to Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the United Nations special representative in Haiti. Criminal organizations maintain a presence, influence or direct control across an estimated 70 to 75 percent of Port-au-Prince. The violence has restricted access to schools, employment, healthcare and basic transportation. The humanitarian emergency continues to expand despite new international security initiatives.
Ruiz Massieu estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 armed gang members operate in the country through extortion, kidnapping, drug trafficking and other criminal activities. United Nations and UNICEF assessments indicate that nearly half of them may be under 18 years old. Children are frequently recruited to carry messages, monitor security forces, collect extortion payments or participate directly in criminal operations. Girls face additional risks of sexual violence, exploitation, forced domestic labor and trafficking.
Haiti currently has approximately 13,000 police officers and 1,200 military personnel to confront the armed groups. The United Nations Security Council authorized a Gang Suppression Force of up to 5,500 personnel, but only around 800 members have been deployed. Coordination is taking place between that international force and the Haitian National Police. The government has also contracted private military companies, raising concerns about oversight, civilian protection and compliance with human-rights standards.
Ruiz Massieu stressed that every security actor operating in Haiti must follow strict protocols to minimize risks to civilians. He said the government remains responsible for ensuring that public forces, international contingents and private contractors respect the same legal and humanitarian standards. The United Nations is also supporting political dialogue, institutional reconstruction, justice reform and the eventual reintegration of communities affected by gang control. Security operations alone will not resolve the crisis without economic opportunities and functioning public institutions.
The international representative said meaningful improvement could become visible within approximately 18 months, provided that Haitian institutions and foreign partners coordinate their efforts. Restoring state authority will require additional personnel, reliable financing and stronger measures against the trafficking of weapons and ammunition. It will also require programs capable of preventing children and vulnerable residents from being absorbed into criminal organizations. For millions of Haitians, the immediate challenge remains surviving a crisis that has disrupted almost every dimension of daily life.
Haiti’s recovery depends on restoring security without abandoning its people.