Top UN expert warns of deteriorating situation in Haiti: 'It's apocalyptic'
Haiti on the brink of resembling "Somalia in the worst of its times" due to escalating criminal uprising and violence.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
The UN’s top expert on human rights in Haiti has issued a grave warning, stating that the country is on the brink of resembling “Somalia in the worst of its times” due to a criminal uprising causing widespread chaos and violence. William O’Neill, reflecting on his experience in Haiti over three decades, expressed deep concern about the escalating crisis in Port-au-Prince. The situation in the capital continues to deteriorate with the closure of the international airport, frequent attacks by armed gangs on various institutions, and a surge in displacement. O’Neill highlighted the unprecedented level of violence, with more than 1,500 people killed in the first three months of 2024. The absence of a functioning state has allowed powerful gangs to seize control, prompting fears that the unrest could spread beyond the capital, leading to a mass exodus of refugees. Despite the grim outlook, O’Neill believes that international intervention could help reverse the dire situation, emphasizing the need to secure key infrastructure and disrupt the gangs’ access to weapons.