Amnesty International is concerned about children joining criminal gangs in Haiti

LONDON (CMC) – London-based human rights group Amnesty International has expressed “deep concern” about gang violence, particularly against children, being carried out with “complete impunity” in Haiti.

“We have documented heartbreaking stories of children forced to work for gangs: from leading deliveries to gathering intelligence to completing domestic tasks under threat of violence,” said Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International .

“In addition, girls were victims of rape and sexual violence. The desperation of their situation is truly disturbing; Many have been displaced or have nowhere to go. The violence in Haiti is devastating and Haitian children are paying the price. As a result of stray bullets or targeted attacks, children suffer serious injuries that will change their lives.”

She pointed to reports that 70 people, including children, had recently died in a gang attack on the population in Haiti’s Artibonite department.

“Resources are urgently needed to fully protect children’s rights and prevent further abuses and violations, as well as ending the impunity of perpetrators,” Piquer said.

In an oral statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council earlier this week, Piquer said concerns were raised about widespread violence in Haiti, “driven by armed gangs that exploit and recruit children.”

“Reports highlight the serious impact on minors, including sexual violence and injuries caused by gang violence. The continued impunity for these crimes exacerbates human rights violations, particularly with regard to social and economic rights.”

With the deployment of the Kenya Police-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, Amnesty International reiterated the urgent need to “ensure that the mission implements protective measures to prevent human rights violations, provides its staff with child protection training and is committed to doing so.” We work with the highest standards of transparency.

“It is truly worrying that the deployment of the Kenyan police contingent in Haiti is proceeding without transparent information on whether and how human rights protections have been implemented,” Piquer said, adding that these protections include the need to ensure that the MSS is prepared to encounter children in its operations, including children recruited by gangs.

Piquer noted that in July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported for the first time in his annual report on children and armed conflict that the UN had confirmed 383 serious violations against children in Haiti last year.

These included recruitment and deployment, killing and maiming, and sexual violence predominantly by criminal gangs involved in widespread violence and clashes with authorities, Piquer said.

“Kenya and Haiti have a shared responsibility, as do their allies, including the United States, to stop ignoring the suffering of thousands of Haitian children.

“Sending foreign troops to Haiti without adequate human rights training, use of force protocols and accountability mechanisms further endangers the population, especially children, who endure the daily onslaught of violence.”

Amnesty International stated that despite UN Security Council Resolution 2699 (2023), which requires the highest standards of transparency, pre-deployment and in-mission awareness training, and an accessible complaints mechanism, among other human rights protections, “there is still a lack of detailed public information Information exists.” about the rules, procedures and accountability mechanisms of the MSS Mission.

“This lack of transparency raises significant concerns about non-compliance with these commitments by all countries involved in the MSS operation and about possible human rights violations following the operation,” it said, calling for the introduction of “strict vetting procedures and thorough training.” on the principles of the United Nations, human rights, the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and the protection of children before and during deployment.”

In addition, Amnesty International emphasized the need for “an accessible, independent and transparent complaints mechanism to investigate all allegations of misconduct and human rights violations by MSS employees.”

“Comprehensive training on UN principles and human rights law is essential for mission staff. To effectively protect children’s rights, an independent mechanism to handle complaints and ensure accountability must be established.”

Amnesty International said the crisis in Haiti had worsened significantly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, “resulting in rampant gang violence and widespread human rights abuses.”

“Historic peacekeeping missions in Haiti have often resulted in abuse and impunity, underscoring the need for strong human rights protections in any security mission,” it said.