The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for a crackdown on arms trafficking fueling gang violence in Haiti, where at least 3,661 people have been killed in the first half of this year, including 100 children. The violence, fueled by armed groups with ties to political and business leaders, has led to a humanitarian crisis in the country. The report details the serious violations and abuses taking place, including the use of sexual violence by gangs. Arms trafficking, primarily from the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, is exacerbating the situation, with gangs obtaining high-calibre weapons and a steady supply of ammunition. The OHCHR is urging the international community to impose an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze to curb the violence.
The surge in violence has prompted the deployment of a UN-backed multinational force, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), led by Kenya. Despite commitments from 10 countries, only a fraction of troops have been deployed. Haiti has requested the UN to consider turning the mission into a formal peacekeeping operation to secure stable funds and capacity. Interim Prime Minister Garry Conille has called for international support, indicating that the country cannot overcome the crisis without assistance. The number of internally displaced people has nearly doubled in the last six months, with 1.6 million people facing emergency food insecurity. The UN Security Council is set to vote on whether to renew the mandate of the MSS on September 30.
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