Last Updated on July 9, 2020, 5:58 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti has expressed concern regarding the increase in violence and barbaric acts being committed in the neighbourhoods of the metropolitan area of the capital city, Port-au-Prince.
The UN Integrated Office said that the attacks, which had intensified over the recent weeks, have left at least six people dead, whereas, 12 people were wounded as well as there were the looting and burning of about 70 houses.
BINUH said that there were serious allegations of rape, noting that the rise in insecurity and the recurrence of the attacks have also resulted in the people shifting to other neighbourhoods.
BINUH said that it was calling for the authorities to take all the required actions to protect the people, in particular by strengthening the presence of the law enforcement personnel in areas which have been marked by the violence.
It said that the State has an obligation of protecting all its citizens, regardless of what is their place of residence in the territory of the country.
It also said that the violence which was committed against the inhabitants of Pont Rouge, Martissant, Cité Soleil, recently as well as that of Bel-Air in 2019 and La Saline in 2018 should be investigated as well.
BINUH said that the perpetrators should be identified, arrested and prosecuted by the judicial authorities and the police “through equitable and fair investigations and added that it is essential to end impunity which constitutes as one of the main factors of violence and the destruction of the social fabric in Haiti.
BINUH added that the cycle of violence would only stop if those persons who are responsible for these crimes are held fully accountable, and guarantees of reparation and access to justice are provided fully to the victims of human rights abuse and these violations.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
