Haiti explained: why the crisis is deepening – and what comes next

Armed gangs control large swathes of territory and violence has spread far beyond the capital Port-au-Prince, weakening the state’s ability to govern and provide basic services.

There have been no presidential elections for a decade and humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, with millions of people struggling to meet their daily needs.

“Violence has intensified and expanded geographically, exacerbating food insecurity and instability, as transitional governance arrangements near expiration and overdue elections remain urgent,” the UN said. Secretary General António Guterres in his last report about the UN political mission in Haiti, BINUH.

Why Haiti Matters

The crisis in Haiti has many facets. Gangs’ control of urban areas and transport routes and increased activity in rural areas are disrupting livelihoods and humanitarian access across the country.

Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods and droughts, as well as devastating earthquakes, have worsened the humanitarian situation and hampered the country’s ability to recover and develop.

The southern city of Les Cayes will be flooded by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

Now that more than one in ten Haitians have fled their homes due to violence, the country risks long-term instability.

The displacement of people – including through migration – could increase pressure on neighboring countries and undermine regional economic and security stability.

“Gang violence is affecting communities across the country, with particularly devastating consequences for women, children and young people, undermining the country’s long-term social fabric.” Antonio Guterres.

Security: Gangs, Violence, and the Power of Repression

Armed violence has increased in the last three months of 2025 and remains the dominant force shaping the daily lives of Haitians.

Gangs with heavy weapons use sexual violence and kidnappings for ransom to assert control, while police operations – sometimes supported by the UN Security Council-backed Gang Suppression Force – have pushed back into limited areas and opened some key routes.

Despite some tactical progress, killings remain widespread, especially outside the capital, and reprisals against civilians continue.

“More than 8,100 homicides were documented nationwide between January and November 2025. …Reports also indicated an increase in child trafficking, with children continuing to be used by gangs in multiple roles, including in violent attacks.” Antonio Guterres

Politics: a transition with a deadline

Haiti’s political transition is approaching a crucial deadline. An election decree and an election calendar now point to hopes that elections will take place, with an elected president and legislature installed in early 2027.

“The immediate need is for national stakeholder groups to find common ground on ways to end the transition and accelerate preparations for elections.” Antonio Guterres

People cast their votes in elections in the Haitian capital, Port au Prince, in October 2015. (file)

Some observers question whether elections are feasible without significant security improvements.

Humanitarian needs: a system stretched to the breaking point

Humanitarian conditions in Haiti continue to deteriorate as funding shortfalls limit the reach of life-saving aid.

• Food insecurity affects 5.7 million people, including nearly two million in emergency situations.
• The number of displaced people has doubled in one year to 1.4 million people.
• Many health care facilities are barely functioning and cholera is still a ‘major public health problem’.
• In the 2024-2025 school year, 1,600 schools closed due to violence, with 1.5 million without access to education.

“The humanitarian response remains seriously understaffed and humanitarian access is becoming increasingly difficult.” Antonio Guterres

Many children in Haiti struggle to maintain their studies.

Human rights: women and girls are at extreme risk

Women and girls are among the hardest hit by the crisis in Haiti.

Gangs routinely use sexual violence, including collective rape, as a tool of intimidation and control. Reporting of incidents remains low due to fear and stigma, and access to survivor-focused services is limited, exacerbating trauma and impunity.

“I remain deeply concerned about the continued use of sexual violence by gangs, which terrorizes communities and systematically undermines the safety and dignity of women and girls.” Antonio Guterres

What’s the way forward?

The UN has consistently emphasized that restoring security is essential, but that this in itself is not sufficient.

Without progress in governance, justice, accountability and social services, especially for youth, security gains will be fragile.

National consensus and sustained international support are crucial to breaking the cycle of violence and instability.

“Security enforcement efforts alone will not be sufficient to address the broader governance problems that have created the crisis of gang violence.” Antonio Guterres

How does the UN respond?

The United Nations is supporting Haiti in a number of ways.

• The political mission, BINUH provides human rights oversight and electoral support and supports police development.
• UN humanitarian agencies are delivering life-saving aid to the most vulnerable communities. The Humanitarian response plan by 2026 calls for $880 million to help 4.2 million people.
• Preparations are underway for the newly established United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and operational support to the Gang Suppression Force.