HAITI-IACHR is concerned about the continued violence in Haiti and about the death of citizens in drone operations.

WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is expressing concern over the escalation of gang-related violence in Haiti, and reports indicating that some law enforcement operations involving drones, carried out in collaboration with private actors over the past year, have caused the deaths of many citizens, including children.

A report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) indicates that between March 2025 and January 2026, at least 5,519 people were killed and 2,608 were injured, primarily in Port-au-Prince.

Data verified by OHCHR indicates that at least 1,424 people were killed and 790 injured as a result of violence perpetrated by gangs; at least 3,497 people were killed and 1,742 injured in the context of operations against gangs led by security forces; and at least 598 people were killed and 76 injured in attacks against gangs carried out by “self-defense groups” formed by civilians.

Most recently, between March 28 and 29, this year, gang-related actions in Artibonite resulted in the death of at least 70 people, and around 30 were injured. Reports also include the kidnapping and killing of journalists Junior Célestin and Osnel Espérance in mid-March, as well as an armed attack against journalist Marvel Dandin.

IACHR said in response to widespread gang-related violence, state operations have included the use of drones and helicopter fire. Available information from the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and civil society organizations indicates that these operations have resulted in at least 60 deaths and 49 injuries among persons reportedly not affiliated with gangs, including 13 children killed and 10 injured.

IACHR said that an OHCHR report of March 24, this year, further indicates that some of these drone strikes have been carried out by national law enforcement with support from a foreign private military contractor.

IACHR said that, in its response to the release, Haiti indicated that these operations are conducted in areas currently under the control of criminal groups, following prior identification of targets and with safeguards aimed at minimizing collateral harm.

The IACHR said it acknowledges the Haitian government’s responsibility to protect its population from gang violence and ensure public order and recognizes its efforts to address the issue.

“Nevertheless, in the absence of a clear legal classification of armed conflict, State actions fall within law enforcement and are governed by international human rights standards,” said the IACHR, which is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights.

“Accordingly, all alleged deaths, including those deriving from such operations, must be promptly investigated, as they may constitute arbitrary deprivations of life.”

It said that the alleged deaths of children are particularly concerning since they occur within a context of rising recruitment and use of children, adolescents, and young people by gangs in Haiti.

Regarding violence against the press, the IACHR Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression has observed that, as criminal groups consolidate territorial control, kidnappings and short-term enforced disappearances silence journalists, enabling censorship and further crimes.

The IACHR said that, in addition, the involvement of private actors in security operations needs to ensure full compliance with international human rights standards, including the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability.

It said that in line with Resolution No 01/26, the IACHR is urging respect for the right to life, noting that such operations entail risks and must follow a human rights-based approach and due diligence.

“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to the continued monitoring of the situation in Haiti and supporting victims and affected communities through its mechanisms. The IACHR emphasizes the need to strengthen protective measures, ensure transparency in security operations, and comply with international standards to reduce risks to the population. It will also continue supporting responses that uphold human rights and protect those affected by ongoing violence.”