The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on May 21 that generalized armed violence continues to expose Haitian children to sexual abuse, exploitation and generalized recruitment of gangs that now control all stripes in the country.
Growing sexual violence
Special representative of the UN on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, gave the alarm on Wednesday for an increase in reports of sexual violence against women and girls since the beginning of the year, particularly rape, group rape and sexual slavery.
“These atrocious crimes are overwhelmingly concentrated in areas under gang control“He said, warning that gangs use deliberate and systematically sexual violence to affirm power and punish certain communities.
Survivors have reported that they have been attacked in their own homes or public spaces.
As health centers close and insecurity pushes families to overpopulated shelters, access to essential services remains limited. Without responsibility, the perpetrators embolden them even more.
“Concrete and immediate measures are essential to improve the protection of Haitians, prioritizing the most at risk“Mrs. Patten said.
UN response
The special representative emphasized the need for a total deployment of the multinational security support mission directed by Kenya (MSS), whose objective is to strengthen Haitian national security forces, but remains insufficient. He asked the international community to intensify financial support.
He also underlined the importance of the sanctions of the UN Security Council aimed at weakening gang operations, particularly when interrupting the illicit weapons trade that feeds his power and attacks.
The recent reopening of the Court of First Instance of Prince Port-Au marks a significant step towards the restoration of the rule of law. It follows the establishment of two specialized judicial units supported by the United Nations, one of which focuses specifically on mass crimes, including sexual violence.
“He urges the Government of Haiti to accelerate the operationalization of these units,” said Mrs. Patten. “Finishing impunity is a fundamental step to break the cycle of violence and restore dignity and security for Haiti’s women and girls.”