Background on Key Figures and Context
In the second quarter of 2025, gang violence in Haiti resulted in more than 1,500 deaths and displaced approximately 1.3 million people, according to the United Nations.
The Integrated United Nations Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported that over 1,500 people died and 600 were injured due to gang violence during the same period. The number of internally displaced persons exceeded 1.3 million.
Who is Ariel Henry?
Ariel Henry served as Haiti’s Prime Minister until a wave of violence in early 2024 forced his resignation. He ascended to the position in 2021 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his official residence by a group of armed individuals.
Recent Developments
Since last year, a Presidential Transition Council was established to carry out the task of pacification and create a Provisional Electoral Council for organizing the first elections in a decade. The international contingent led by Kenya has, so far, proven ineffective in curbing gang activities.
Key Statistics and Impact
- Between April 1 and June 30, 2025:
- 1,520 people died due to security forces operations (64%), gang violence (24%), and self-defense groups (12%);
- 87% of the victims were male, 11% female, and 2% children;
- 628 people were victims of sexual violence, and 185 were kidnapped (63% in the Artibonite department).
Despite a security operation reinforcement in the capital, which reduced gang violence, armed group attacks have expanded to the central region and intensified in the southern part of Artibonite.
Recommendations and Actions
BINUH has recommended that Haitian authorities:
- Accelerate the creation of specialized judicial units;
- Ban security force agents involved in human rights violations;
- Strengthen the implementation of rehabilitation programs for youth related to gangs.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Ariel Henry? Ariel Henry was Haiti’s Prime Minister until early 2024, when he resigned due to a surge in violence. He took office in 2021 following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.
- Q: What has been done to address the gang violence in Haiti? A Presidential Transition Council was established to pacify the country and a Provisional Electoral Council was created for upcoming elections. An international contingent led by Kenya has attempted to curb gang activities, but with limited success.
- Q: What recommendations have been made by BINUH? BINUH has urged Haitian authorities to establish specialized judicial units, ban security force agents involved in human rights violations, and strengthen rehabilitation programs for youth related to gangs.
