UN Expert Highlights Critical Moment for Haiti to Address Gang Violence
A United Nations human rights expert has declared that Haiti now possesses a vital opportunity to confront pervasive gang violence, with a U.S.-initiated international force beginning deployment and a prime minister dedicated to providing alternatives for young gang members. Edith M. Lederer reported on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, that William O'Neill, the UN's expert on human rights in Haiti, emphasized the significance of the coming months during a recent visit to the country.
New International Force Brings Expanded Powers
O'Neill stated, "We're in a place now where the next few months are going to be crucial. And I think it can turn around, because the gangs, at the end of the day, are not that powerful." This optimism stems from the UN Security Council's approval on 30 September of a plan, co-sponsored by the U.S. and Panama, to authorize a larger 5,550-member force with enhanced powers aimed at suppressing gang activity.
The force is designed to transform the existing Kenya-led multinational contingent, which arrived in Haiti in June 2024 and grew to approximately 1,100 troops, into a dedicated "gang suppression force" with the authority to arrest suspected gang members—a capability the current force lacks.
Deployment Timeline and Regional Support
O'Neill informed UN reporters that support offices and other elements of the gang suppression force are already establishing themselves in Haiti. The first troop arrivals are scheduled for early April, with additional contingents arriving in subsequent months, and the entire force expected to be operational by September. He noted that some units from the Kenya-led forces, including contributions from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Jamaica, are anticipated to remain.
Escalating Gang Control and Violence
Gangs have significantly increased their power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They now control an estimated 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their operations into rural areas, engaging in activities such as looting, kidnapping, sexual assaults, and rape. Haiti has been without a president since the assassination, and efforts by Haitian police and the UN-backed multinational force have struggled to quell the violence.
Calls for Sanctions and Weapon Control
O'Neill urged the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on more gang leaders, as well as corrupt politicians and oligarchs linked to the gangs. He also highlighted the need to halt the flow of firearms and other weapons, primarily from the United States, arguing that this would cause gangs to "literally run out of bullets, and they lose their strength."
Frustration and Hope for Change
Expressing frustration over the gangs' growing power nearly five years after Moïse's assassination, O'Neill acknowledged that he now holds "more than hope" due to the arrival of the gang suppression force and a prime minister with a Cabinet committed to delivering results, particularly opportunities for young people and gang members.
He described how gang leaders frequently flaunt their wealth on social media, displaying jewelry and expensive athletic wear, which attracts youth seeking quick riches. However, O'Neill also referenced a disturbing recent video showing a gang leader brutally beating young boys with a baseball bat for attempting to leave gang territory.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects
O'Neill suggested that removing several key gang leaders could significantly impact violence reduction, as it would send a clear message to others motivated by money and power. He concluded, "Haiti is facing a difficult yet promising moment. If we can help Haiti address insecurity, fight corruption and impunity and protect human rights, then everyone will prosper. We just can't let them down."
