UN Appeals for International Intervention in Haiti Amid Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis

On July 13, 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued an urgent appeal for international intervention in Haiti, highlighting the escalating gang violence and increasing human rights abuses by self-defense groups. This call underscores the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, where armed gangs control significant portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have displaced over 1.3 million people nationwide.

The UN's appeal emphasizes the urgent need for increased international support to restore order and assist Haitian authorities in addressing both security and humanitarian challenges. The violence has led to nearly 5,000 deaths between October 2024 and June 2025, according to a United Nations report. The humanitarian crisis is further exacerbated by the collapse of health infrastructures, with major hospitals closing and less than 25% of facilities operational in affected regions.

Background on the Security Situation in Haiti

Haiti has been grappling with escalating gang violence, particularly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Armed gangs now control approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, the nation's capital, leading to widespread displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The United Nations reports that nearly 5,000 people have been killed between October 2024 and June 2025 due to gang-related violence.

Humanitarian Impact

The surge in violence has displaced over 1.3 million people, marking a 24% increase since December 2024. Many of the displaced are living in makeshift shelters with inadequate access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. The health infrastructure is on the brink of collapse, with less than 25% of facilities operational in affected regions. Major hospitals have closed, and there is a severe shortage of medical supplies, including medications for chronic illnesses.

Educational Disruption

The violence has severely impacted education, with over 900 schools closed due to security concerns, affecting more than 1 million children. In many gang-controlled areas, schools have been repurposed as shelters for displaced individuals, further disrupting the education system.

Economic and Agricultural Consequences

Gang violence has also led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity. Farmers, particularly in the Artibonite Valley, face extortion and threats, forcing them to abandon their fields. This has resulted in reduced local crop yields and increased dependence on imports, exacerbating food insecurity. Inflation for food items neared 40% in 2024, deepening the crisis.

International Response and Challenges

A Kenyan-led international security mission was deployed to assist Haitian authorities in combating gang violence. However, the mission remains underfunded and understaffed, limiting its effectiveness. Critics warn that without substantial ground operations, progress may not be sustainable. The UN has emphasized the urgent need for increased international support to restore order and address both security and humanitarian challenges.

Social and Societal Implications

The pervasive violence has led to the formation of self-defense groups, some of which have been implicated in human rights abuses. The collapse of state authority has allowed gangs to establish parallel governance structures, controlling major trade routes and disrupting public services. This has resulted in increased prices for necessities and further destabilized the nation.

Conclusion

The situation in Haiti has reached a critical juncture, with escalating violence, humanitarian crises, and the collapse of essential services. The United Nations' urgent appeal underscores the immediate need for coordinated international intervention to restore security, uphold human rights, and address the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.