By Daniel Dickinson
Haiti is entering 2026 facing one of the most complex crises in its recent history. On Wednesday, the Caribbean island nation will be high on the international agenda as the UN Security Council holds its first meeting of the year to update ambassadors.
Armed gangs control large swathes of territory, and violence has spread well beyond the capital Port-au-Prince, weakening the State’s ability to govern and deliver basic services.
Presidential elections have not been held for a decade, and humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels, with millions struggling to meet their daily needs.
“Violence has intensified and expanded geographically, exacerbating food insecurity and instability, as transitional governance arrangements near expiry and overdue elections remain urgent,” according to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his latest report on the UN’s political mission in Haiti, BINUH.
Why Haiti matters
The crisis in Haiti is multifaceted. Gang control of urban zones and transport routes and increased activity in rural areas, are disrupting livelihoods and humanitarian access nationwide.
Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods and droughts as well as devastating earthquakes have worsened the humanitarian situation and complicated the ability of the country to recover and develop.
With more than one in ten Haitians having fled their homes due to violence, the country risks prolonged instability.
The displacement of people – including through migration – could heighten pressures on neighbouring countries and undermine regional economic and security stability.
“Gang violence affects communities nationwide, with particularly devastating consequences for women, children and youth, undermining the country’s social fabric over the long term.” António Guterres.
Security: Gangs, violence and the suppression force
Armed violence intensified in the last three months of 2025 and remains the dominant force shaping the daily life of Haitians.
Gangs with heavy weapons, use sexual violence and kidnappings for ransom to assert control, while police operations – sometimes supported by the UN Security Council-backed Gang Suppression Force – have pushed back in limited areas opening some key routes.
Despite some tactical gains, killings remain widespread, especially outside the capital, and reprisals against civilians continue.
“More than 8,100 killings were documented nationwide between January and November 2025. …Reports also indicated an increase in the trafficking in children, with children continuing to be used by gangs in multiple roles, including in violent attacks.” António Guterres
Politics: A transition facing a deadline
Haiti’s political transition is approaching a critical deadline. An electoral decree and calendar now point to the hope that elections will take place which will see the installation of an elected president and legislature in early 2027.
“The immediate need is for national stakeholder groups to find common ground on ways to end the transition and accelerate preparations for elections.” António Guterres
Some observers question whether elections are feasible without significant security improvements.
Humanitarian needs: A system stretched to breaking point
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate in Haiti as funding shortfalls are limiting the reach of life-saving assistance.
- Food insecurity affects 5.7 million people, with nearly two million at emergency levels.
- Displacement has doubled to 1.4 million people in one year.
- Many health facilities are barely functioning and cholera has remained a “major public health concern.”
- In the 2024-25 school year1,600 schools closed due to violence with 1.5 million lacking access to education.
“The humanitarian response remains severely under-resourced, and humanitarian access is increasingly challenging.” António Guterres
Human rights: Women and girls at extreme risk
Women and girls are among the most affected by Haiti’s crisis.
Gangs routinely use sexual violence, including collective rape, as a tool of intimidation and control. The reporting of incidents remains low due to fear and stigma, and access to survivor-centred services is limited, compounding trauma and impunity.
“I remain deeply concerned by the continued use of sexual violence by gangs, which terrorises communities and systematically undermines the safety and dignity of women and girls.” António Guterres
What is the way forward?
The UN has continually emphasized that restoring security is essential, but it is not enough on its own.
Without progress on governance, justice, accountability and social services, especially for youth, any security gains will be fragile.
National consensus and sustained international support are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and instability.
“Security enforcement efforts alone will not be enough to address the broader governance problems that triggered the gang violence crisis.” António Guterres
How is the UN responding?
The United Nations is supporting Haiti in a number of ways.
- The political mission, BINUH provides human rights monitoring and electoral assistance and supports police development.
- UN Humanitarian agencies deliver life-saving aid to the most vulnerable communities. The Humanitarian Response Plan for 2026 is seeking $880 million to assist 4.2 million people.
- Preparations are underway for the recently-established United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and operational backing to the Gang Suppression Force.
