UN: Over 5,000 people killed and injured in Haiti

More than 5,700 people were killed or injured by gangs or during operations against them between January 1st and September 11, 2026, the United Nations said.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, added that more than 230 people have also been kidnapped. Around 1,000 women and girls have been raped, but Türk noted that the actual figure is "most likely much higher".

The number of executions carried out by specialized police units has fallen in recent months, he said, but people suspected of being linked to gangs continue to face a high risk of summary executions.

The high commissioner added that the recruitment of children into gangs has "almost tripled", as for many minors, joining a gang "may be the only way of survival".

"No child should be forced to choose between their life and the safety of their neighbors," Türk said.

Haiti is preparing to hold its first presidential and legislative elections since 2016, on December 13.

However, Türk said it is "difficult to imagine that the conditions for holding credible elections can be met this year," given the current situation.