Escalating Violence in Haiti during the 3rd Quarter of 2023: A Disturbing Assessment
Throughout the third quarter of this year, the situation in Haiti has dramatically deteriorated, marked by an increase of over 16% in violent incidents compared to the previous quarter, as reported alarmingly by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
The disclosed figures are deeply concerning, shedding light on the seriousness of the security crisis currently gripping the nation. The BINUH report indicates that during this period, approximately 2,161 individuals have fallen victim to violence, whether through murders, severe injuries, or kidnappings. This surge in violence has fostered a pervasive sense of insecurity, profoundly affecting the daily lives of Haitians.
Even more worrisome, the report from the UN representation in Haiti has unveiled that the total number of victims of acts carried out by armed groups in 2023 has already reached the staggering figure of 5,650. This constitutes a devastating human toll that continues to rise with each passing month. These acts of violence have a severe impact on the Haitian population, who live in constant fear of insecurity.
Among the alarming statistics, kidnappings have experienced a particularly troubling increase. Nationally, the number of kidnappings has risen by more than 96%, while in the Artibonite department, the surge is even more dramatic, reaching 166%. Kidnappings have become a major scourge that affects innocent citizens indiscriminately, plunging families into anguish and despair.
