HAMILTON, Canada

The UN warned on Wednesday that Haiti faces "unprecedented" internal displacement, with armed gangs spreading terror across regions and obstructing the functioning of state institutions.

"There is no doubt that the circumstances are dire, but the Haitian people have not given up. Their fortitude gives us hope," Carlos Ruiz Massieu, special representative and head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), said at a Security Council session on Haiti.

Emphasizing that gangs have maintained a grip on the capital and expanded into the Artibonite, Centre and Northwest departments, he stressed that the human rights situation remains "deeply concerning, with widespread abuses linked to gang attacks, violence involving self-defense groups and even some security operations."

"The scale and impact of internal displacement in Haiti is unprecedented, with more than 1.4 million people displaced," he reported.

He also drew attention to the use of sexual violence, stressing that "sexual violence continues to be systematically used by gangs as a tool of domination and terror against women and girls, impacting not only the victims and survivors but also their families."

Despite the challenges, he welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2793, which authorizes the transition to the Gang Suppression Force and the establishment of the UN Support Office in Haiti.

"This decision reflects the continued engagement of the Security Council in supporting the restoration of security in Haiti," he added.

The UN's Haitian envoy stressed the urgency of political progress, and noted that "the transition clock is ticking. I am concerned that a steady path towards the restoration of democratic governance is yet to emerge."

Calling for sustained inter-Haitian dialogue, strengthened justice systems and international support to combat impunity, he said: "Now is the time to swiftly translate this signal into real progress and turn the tide of violence."

Haiti has been struggling with gang violence and political instability for years. The country saw an escalation of violence following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise nearly five years ago.

Rival armed groups took control of Port-au-Prince earlier this year, forcing Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Armed gangs are said to control an estimated 80% of the capital.

According to the UN, more than 1,379 people were killed or injured in Haiti, and 428 were kidnapped from April to June.

Around 5.5 million people need immediate humanitarian assistance amid a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by civil unrest, disease, economic instability and insecurity.