Haiti is facing a deepening crisis as armed gangs control large areas, extending their influence well beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, and severely weakening the State’s ability to provide governance and essential services. Presidential elections have not been held in over a decade, leaving transitional governance arrangements under strain. Humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, with millions struggling to meet basic daily necessities. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that escalating violence, coupled with delayed elections, is exacerbating instability and food insecurity nationwide.
The crisis is multidimensional. Gang control of urban areas and key transport routes, combined with increased rural activity, is disrupting livelihoods and humanitarian access. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and earthquakes have worsened the humanitarian situation and complicated recovery efforts. More than one in ten Haitians have been displaced due to violence, placing additional pressure on neighboring countries and threatening regional stability. Guterres highlighted the particularly devastating impact of gang violence on women, children, and youth, which erodes the social fabric over the long term.
Security conditions remain dire. Gangs armed with heavy weapons continue to commit kidnappings, sexual violence, and other crimes, while police operations and the UN Security Council-authorized Gang Suppression Force have only achieved limited success in reopening roads and securing areas. Despite some tactical gains, killings remain widespread, with over 8,100 deaths recorded from January to November 2025. Child trafficking and the use of children in violent attacks have also increased, further highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Haiti’s political transition is approaching a critical deadline, with an electoral decree and calendar pointing to potential elections in early 2027. Guterres stressed the urgent need for national stakeholders to find common ground to conclude the transition and accelerate election preparations, though security concerns cast doubt on the feasibility of holding elections without significant improvements.
Humanitarian needs are at a breaking point. Food insecurity affects 5.7 million people, nearly two million of whom are in emergency conditions. Displacement has doubled over the past year to 1.4 million people, while many health facilities are barely functioning and cholera remains a major concern. Violence has disrupted education, leaving 1.5 million children without access to school due to closures. Humanitarian access remains severely constrained, and funding shortfalls limit the reach of life-saving assistance.
Women and girls face extreme risk, as gangs routinely use sexual violence as a tool of intimidation and control. Reporting remains low due to fear and stigma, and survivor support services are limited, compounding trauma and impunity. Guterres expressed deep concern over the continued use of sexual violence, which undermines the safety and dignity of women and girls.
The UN emphasizes that restoring security alone is insufficient. Progress on governance, justice, accountability, and social services—especially for youth—is crucial for lasting stability. National consensus and sustained international support are necessary to break the cycle of violence and instability. The UN’s response includes the political mission BINUH, which provides human rights monitoring, electoral assistance, and police development, while humanitarian agencies deliver aid to vulnerable communities. Preparations are also underway for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and operational support to the Gang Suppression Force, aiming to stabilize the country and protect its population.
