Gang violence, killings, rapes in Haiti continue to escalate, UN says

Killings have significantly increased in the past few months in Haiti. Gang activity has also spread from the coastal capital of Port-au-Prince to two other major cities.

The continuing rise in homicides is attributed to the emergence of a vigilante movement, known as "Bwa Kale," in the capital in April which has gone after the gangs, he said. The U.N. chief also reported an increase in kidnappings for ransom during that time with 1,472 reported, though he said the actual number is almost certainly higher because families often do not report missing members to authorities out of fear for the victims’ safety.

Gang members also continue to use sexual violence including collective rape "to terrorize populations under the control of rival gangs," Guterres said, pointing to 452 rape cases reported during the October-June period.