UN Warns Haiti at Critical Stage in Restoring Democracy
The United Nations warned on Wednesday that Haiti has reached a critical point in its efforts to restore democratic institutions, as political division, rising gang violence and worsening humanitarian needs threaten to derail the country’s fragile transition.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the UN special representative and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), delivered the warning during a Security Council briefing on Haiti.
Pressure Builds for Political Progress
Ruiz Massieu said expectations remain high for meaningful progress in both politics and security as the new year begins. He stressed that Haitian leaders must take responsibility, maintain security efforts and ensure sustained international support.
He urged national actors to move past internal disputes and focus on restoring political stability. According to Ruiz Massieu, limiting political fragmentation and ensuring institutional continuity are essential for organizing elections.
“Let us be clear: the country has no time to waste on prolonged internal fighting,” he said, calling on authorities, political parties, civil society groups, business leaders and community representatives to work together.
Encouraging Steps Toward Elections
Despite ongoing challenges, Ruiz Massieu noted some positive developments. He said recent steps to advance election preparations were encouraging, particularly new rules that increase women’s representation on candidate lists.
He added that financial incentives linked to these measures mark a significant move toward addressing long-standing barriers to political participation.
Security Situation Remains Fragile
Turning to security, Ruiz Massieu warned that armed gangs continue to carry out coordinated attacks and maintain control over key trade routes and farming areas. These activities have driven displacement and placed heavy pressure on police forces and humanitarian agencies.
He said intentional killings rose by nearly 20% in 2025 compared with 7,574 deaths recorded in 2024.
While acknowledging that sustained operations against gangs have shown results, he cautioned that authorities must expand and maintain these gains. Without continued efforts, he warned, recent security improvements could quickly reverse.
Children Targeted by Armed Groups
Ruiz Massieu also raised concern over the recruitment of children by armed groups. He said gangs continue to exploit young people by manipulating their grievances and daily hardships, particularly in marginalized communities.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
On humanitarian needs, Ruiz Massieu said around 6.4 million people in Haiti now require assistance, placing the country among the largest humanitarian crises in the region. He added that funding for relief efforts remains insufficient.
UNODC Highlights Organized Crime Risks
John Brandolino, acting executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), told the Council that Haiti’s crisis has become more violent, organized and deeply rooted.
He said gangs have consolidated their power, increasing their resilience. However, he also noted that Haitian authorities have taken action, including recent police operations against gang leaders and weapons storage sites.
“UNODC commends these efforts,” Brandolino said.
Arms Trafficking and Financial Crime
Brandolino linked rising violence to illegal arms trafficking and illicit financial flows. He warned that private security firms and informal self-defence groups are contributing to the spread of illegal firearms.
He added that Haiti’s Financial Intelligence Unit processed nearly 1.5 million transaction reports in 2025 alone.
Fragile Progress Ahead
Both UN officials warned that while progress remains possible, it is fragile and reversible. They stressed that the coming period will be decisive for elections, national stability and humanitarian relief.
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