Haiti: UN rights office welcomes new judicial units to tackle gang violence and impunity

Launched by the Haitian government in late May, they are expected to tackle complex corruption cases, including the illegal arms trade and money laundering.

The development comes after courts have been attacked, vandalized and occupied by gangs, while magistrates and justice officials have been subjected to attacks and death threats from these groups.

The country – which has long faced significant challenges due to political instability, systemic corruption and widespread gang violence – will also use the judicial units to address serious human rights abuses such as murders, kidnappings, sexual violence and child trafficking committed by gangs.

Units must be independent

So far this year, gang-related violence has resulted in at least 2,310 deaths, 1,106 injuries and 99 kidnappings. At the same time, 699 people, mostly women and young girls, have been victims of sexual violence, and hundreds of children continue to be trafficked by gangs.

OHCHR warned that specialized units must be competent, impartial and independent, both institutionally and individually.

“This is essential for increasing public confidence in the justice system. The safety of judges and the security of courts must also be protected,” spokesperson Marta Hurtado told journalists in Geneva.

Stepping stone to accountability

If functioning properly, the units should be a stepping stone to facilitating the accountability process and ensuring victims have access to justice and reparations, she said.

They should also help strengthen the rule of law, tackle corruption and restore public confidence in the currently dysfunctional justice system.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has urged Haitian authorities to quickly deploy the specialized judicial units in accordance with international human rights law and best practices, with the support of the international community.