International News: United Nations warn of displacement as armed violence escalates in Haiti

By Zoila Palma:  United Nations humanitarian agencies are raising concerns over a worsening security crisis in Haiti after renewed armed clashes displaced more than 3,000 people in the country’s West Department.

According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that fighting in the commune of Ganthier forced about 1,300 residents to flee their homes on July 1, while another 2,000 people were displaced in Kenscoff following overnight clashes between July 4 and 5.

The newly displaced families are being sheltered by host communities, placing additional pressure on households already struggling with limited resources. 

The latest violence comes as armed gangs continue to expand their influence across Haiti, where criminal groups control much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are responsible for widespread killings, kidnappings, rape, and other acts of violence. More than 1.5 million Haitians have now been driven from their homes by the ongoing crisis.

The surge in violence is believed to be linked to anticipated operations by the recently established UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, as rival gangs battle for control of territory and resources.

“Gangs control the vast majority of the capital Port-au-Prince, and terrorize the population with murder, rape and kidnapping for ransom.

Some 1.5 million Haitians have been driven from their homes by the gangs,” the U.N. noted.

Meanwhile, the UK and Canada announced their contribution to support the UN-backed Multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF), which is tasked with assisting Haitian authorities in confronting armed criminal groups.

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