International Intervention Urged to Curb Surging Gang Violence in Haiti

Human Rights Watch has called for urgent international intervention to address the escalating gang violence in Haiti, highlighting the brutal rapes and killings taking place in the capital. The group's plea comes as Haiti awaits a response from the UN Security Council regarding its request for the immediate deployment of an international armed force to combat the surge in violence. Gangs now reportedly control around 80% of Port-au-Prince, with a severe shortage of police officers and over 400 police facilities inoperative due to criminal attacks. The situation is further exacerbated by a deepening poverty crisis and an estimated 5.2 million Haitians in need of humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch also urged the US, Canada, France, and other governments to support the creation of a transitional government in Haiti.