Haiti

In 2024, the rule of law declined in Haiti, highlighting the urgent need for measures to restore security, strengthen judicial institutions and promote effective democratic governance. The severe crisis was marked by a resurgence of gang violence, paralyzed justice system and a transitional governance structure. Armed gangs have steadily expanded their control over approximately 80 percent of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, rendering the judicial system nearly inoperative. Since the 2022 attack on the Palace of Justice, courts have struggled to function, exacerbating prison overcrowding, with 84 percent of detainees awaiting trial.

Serious human rights violations continued to be committed on a large scale and with impunity. Gangs carried out indiscriminate attacks, killing, raping, torturing and kidnapping civilians, particularly in the West and Artibonite departments. According to the Human Rights Service of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), 1,732 people were killed and 411 injured because of gang and self-defence group violence, as well as in connection with police operations.

In response to this situation, in October 2023, the UN Security Council authorized the deployment of a multinational security support mission (MSSM). Composed by around 1,000 police officers, mostly from Kenya, the MSSM is collaborating with the Haitian National Police (HNP) in its efforts to restore security, dismantle armed gangs and facilitate a return to constitutional order.

At the political level, the Transitional Presidential Council was established in April 2024 to restore security and organize elections. However, the challenges remained immense, as gang violence continued to suffocate the economy and undermine efforts toward democratic governance.

Under the framework of the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law (GFP), UNDP continued to implement the joint support programme for the HNP in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and BINUH.

Infrastructure improvements included the rehabilitation of a strategic police station in Thomassin and modernization of the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence Center (C3i) to improve coordination, data collection and technological capabilities for field operations. Over 60 officers received training in prison intervention and strategic planning, as well as airport and port management.

The programme also supported the retention of police officers by providing a first-time establishment allowance to 786 cadets (including 119 women). Over 4,000 items of personal protective equipment were provided, including helmets, ballistic shields and bulletproof vests, to protect police officers securing strategic sites and combating armed gangs. As a result of this comprehensive support, the police strengthened its presence in underserved areas, improved internal working conditions and increased the capacity for training and accommodating new personnel.

The GFP umbrella enabled efficient cooperation between UNDP and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) within the project on accountability for atrocities in Haiti. The judicial training infrastructure, particularly at the School of Magistracy, was improved. In addition, civil society organizations (CSOs) received support in submitting complaints to international human rights mechanisms, contributing to a more effective response to human rights violations.

UNDP has contributed to community violence reduction and social cohesion under the Peacebuilding Fund projects. The Task Force on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Community Violence Reduction (DDR-CVR Task Force) convened government and civil society actors, strengthening its capacity and bolstering awareness-raising action.

In the areas of Thomassin, Laboule and Fermathe, UNDP focused on building trust between the police and communities, including through joint sports activities such as a Peace Marathon and a football championship, as well as awareness campaigns on violence prevention and peace promotion. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry for the Status of Women and Women’s Rights, 150 women and girls affected by violence in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) were identified for socioeconomic reintegration initiatives.

Under its project on justice and the fight against impunity (PAJLI), UNDP supported the High Judicial Council (CSPJ) in assessing the work of judges and prosecutors. The CSPJ opened two regional inspection offices and appointed 18 new judicial inspectors that were capacitated with PAJLI support. The first code of ethics for judges, critical to combat corruption and increase public trust in the judiciary, was disseminated. The Technical Vetting Commission (CTC) conducted field investigations into the morality and integrity of judges. As a result of its visits to 11 jurisdictions, 22 judges and prosecutors were vetted by the High judicial Council (CSPJ).

To replace judges and prosecutors who left the country because of the security situation, as well as those who were dismissed by the vetting commission over the recent years, the Magistrates’ School organized training for 35 new prosecutors and 59 justices of peace. Over 60 representatives of the judiciary improved their capacity to address financial crimes.

^* Country profiles marked as GFP detail results achieved under the framework of the Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law, a UN partnership mechanism coordinated by UNDP and the UN Department of Peace Operations