The security situation in Haiti has reached a critical point, with Human Rights Watch declaring it is in “free fall.” Armed groups are wreaking havoc across the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other parts of the country. The violence has intensified since late last year, leaving only about 10 percent of the city under government control.
Nathalye Cotrino, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the dire circumstances faced by Haitians, who are suffering from severe abuses. The turmoil has deep roots, with armed groups often linked to political and business leaders vying for power. The situation deteriorated sharply after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, which created a power vacuum that gangs have exploited.
In 2024, gangs began attacking prisons and other state institutions, deepening the political crisis. This wave of violence led to the resignation of the unelected prime minister and the establishment of a transitional presidential council. A United Nations-backed police mission, led by Kenya, was deployed to restore order but has struggled to regain control from the gangs due to lack of funding and resources.
As the violence escalates, so does the formation of “self-defense” groups, which has only resulted in more bloodshed. Protests have erupted in Port-au-Prince against the transitional council, which has failed to improve security. In response to the ongoing violence, authorities declared a one-month state of emergency, although critics argue that merely declaring emergencies without providing police with necessary resources will not solve the problem.
Recent reports indicate that between January and March 2025, at least 1,518 people were killed, with many more injured in gang-related violence and clashes involving security forces and self-defense groups. An aid worker in Haiti shared the grim reality that people feel they have nowhere safe to turn. Women, in particular, face horrific situations, having lost loved ones, suffered sexual violence, and become displaced.
The United Nations reports that over 1 million Haitians have been displaced due to the violence, and about 5.5 million people are facing severe food insecurity. In early April, Save the Children revealed that more than 40,000 children have been displaced in just the first three months of 2025. Many children are living in areas controlled by gangs, losing their childhoods and facing risks of exploitation and violence.
The situation in Haiti is dire, with many residents feeling abandoned and pleading for help. As violence continues to rise, the need for effective intervention and support has never been more urgent.