Haiti: Justice and protection urgently needed following deadly armed gang attack in Kenscoff
Amnesty International condemns the massacre that took place during the night of 23–24 August in Kenscoff, near Port-au-Prince. At least 47 people were killed and 22 injured, according to the United Nations, while dozens of people were reportedly abducted. Those attacked reportedly included people displaced by violence who had sought refuge in a church.
“Sadly, we are once again witnessing another massacre in Haiti. This is a reminder of the devastating human cost of the absence of effective policies to protect the population. We urge the Haitian authorities and the international community to redouble their efforts to protect people from the escalating violence by armed gangs. Anyone suspected of criminal responsibility for these killings, abductions and other serious human rights abuses must be identified and brought to justice in fair trials,” said Astrid Valencia, Deputy Regional Director for Research for the Americas at Amnesty International.
Sadly, we are once again witnessing another massacre in Haiti. This is a reminder of the devastating human cost of the absence of effective policies to protect the population.”
Astrid Valencia, Deputy Regional Director for Research for the Americas at Amnesty International.
“The reinforcements and security operations announced by the government must prioritize the protection of the population and of those who have been abducted, and must be carried out in full compliance with human rights,” reiterated Astrid Valencia, Deputy Regional Director for Research for the Americas at Amnesty International.
The reinforcements and security operations announced by the government must prioritize the protection of the population and of those who have been abducted, and must be carried out in full compliance with human rights.”
Astrid Valencia, Deputy Regional Director for Research for the Americas at Amnesty International.
“The abduction of people and threats to their lives further aggravate an already horrifying situation. Armed gangs must immediately and unconditionally release all those they have abducted and put an end to killings, abductions and other attacks against the population. The Haitian authorities must take all measures within their power, in full compliance with human rights, to protect the lives and physical integrity of those being held.
“The Haitian population has the right to live without the constant fear of being killed, abducted or forced to flee their homes. As we have repeatedly warned following other massacres, including those in Cité Soleil, Labodri and Petite-Rivière de l’Artibonite, there will continue to be a serious risk of further loss of life unless urgent and sustainable measures are taken to protect communities and break the cycle of violence and impunity. The international community must provide urgent and sustained support to the Haitian authorities so that they can fulfil their obligation to protect the population and ensure justice for these crimes,” concluded Astrid Valencia.
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