Over 1,600 Killed in Haiti in First Quarter of 2026 (Report)

Haiti Libre reports grim statistics from the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), detailing a devastating first quarter for 2026 with over 1,600 lives lost and hundreds more injured. This figure represents one of the highest quarterly death tolls since 2022, painting a stark picture of the ongoing crisis.

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Despite advances in security in some areas of downtown Port-au-Prince, insecurity is daily and untenable for a large number of Haitians, and violence continues to spread beyond the capital, particularly in Artibonite and Centre.

While the report acknowledges some security improvements in central Port-au-Prince, it emphasizes that insecurity is a daily reality for most Haitians. The violence is not confined to the capital but has tragically spread to regions like Artibonite and Centre, indicating a pervasive and escalating problem.

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In areas under their control, gangs have continued to commit numerous human rights abuses, including targeted killings, kidnappings, acts of extortion, and destruction of property.

The article details the horrific abuses perpetrated by gangs, including targeted killings, kidnappings, extortion, and widespread sexual violence, particularly against vulnerable women and girls. The coordinated attacks on self-defense groups in Bas Artibonite, resulting in at least 83 deaths, highlight the brutal nature of the conflict.

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Between March 29 and 31, gang members coordinated attacks on 16 localities in Bas Artibonite, where several self-defense groups were established. A total of at least 83 residents were killed and 38 others injured.

From Haiti Libre's perspective, this report underscores the urgent need for effective solutions to the pervasive insecurity and violence. The publication, deeply rooted in the Haitian reality, conveys the desperation and suffering of the population. The mention of police involvement in summary executions, with investigations underway, adds another layer of complexity to the security challenges. This is not just a news report; it is a cry for attention to a nation grappling with immense human rights violations and a breakdown of order, a situation that demands immediate and comprehensive international and national action.

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During the quarter, gang members were also responsible for sexual violence, including gang rapes or cases of sexual exploitation, against more than 292 victims, mainly women and girls aged 12 to 17.