Haiti: The UN human rights office welcomed a new justice unit to tackle gang violence and impunity

Launched by the Haitian government at the end of May, the program is expected to tackle complex corruption cases, including illicit arms trafficking and money laundering.

This development comes after courts were attacked, vandalized and occupied by gangs, while judges and judicial officials fell victim to attacks and death threats from these groups.

The country – which has long faced major challenges due to political instability, systemic corruption and widespread gang violence – will also use the justice unit to address serious human rights violations such as murder, kidnapping, 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, mainly women and girls, have been victims of sexual violence, and hundreds of children continue to be trafficked by gangs.

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

“This is important to increase public confidence in the justice system. The safety of judges and court security must also be protected,” spokeswoman Marta Hurtado told reporters in Geneva.

Milestone for accountability

If functioning properly, these units should be a stepping stone to facilitating accountability processes, ensuring that victims have access to justice and reparations, he said.

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

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged Haitian authorities to immediately implement a special justice unit in accordance with international human rights law and best practices, with the support of the international community.