PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti: Haiti forced returns approached 200,000 in the first eight months of 2026 as escalating gang violence drove displacement and stretched humanitarian services, a UN official said Friday.
Indrika Ratwatte, acting UN assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, told an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting that forced returns were at least 20,000 higher than during the same period in 2025.
The Security Council met in New York on August 28, following an August 23-24 gang attack in Kenscoff, near the capital Port-au-Prince, that killed at least 47 people, including five children.
The United Nations said more than 50 people were abducted in the attack. At least 22 victims were killed after seeking refuge at a church compound, according to UN reporting.
Meanwhile, nearly 1.5 million people are internally displaced across Haiti. UN officials say the number has doubled in about two years, while insecurity and limited resources continue to restrict humanitarian assistance.
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Haitian officials also called for faster deployment of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The Security Council authorised the multinational force in 2025, with a planned strength of 5,550 personnel, to work alongside the Haitian police and armed forces.
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The GSF mandate is due to expire at the end of September 2026 unless the Security Council renews it. Haiti has also urged stronger enforcement of the UN arms embargo as illicit firearms and ammunition continue reaching armed groups.
