High death toll in violence-ravaged Haiti

TT

Published 11.41

 

At least 2,300 people have been killed in Haiti so far this year. Children are seen here with armed police during a UN visit from abroad in late April. Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP/TT

At least 2,300 people have been killed in violent conflicts in Haiti so far this year, according to the UN human rights chief.

Criminal groups with large capital for violence are fighting in the crisis-ravaged and impoverished country. In addition to the dead, more than 1,100 people have been injured and almost 100 kidnapped, according to a UN compilation.

Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, hopes that international forces will arrive soon. Last year, the Security Council mandated a force of up to 5,500 soldiers and police to support Haiti's security forces. The force, known as the GSF, will be deployed to the country in phases, replacing a previous multinational force.

"The GSF is urgently needed and must operate in accordance with international human rights law," Türk said.