PORT-AU-PRINCE — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres visited Haiti this week and called attention to escalating gang violence and the country’s worsening humanitarian crisis, as the U.N. and Haitian authorities seek to strengthen international support for security operations in the Caribbean nation.
Guterres arrived in the Haitian capital on Tuesday for what U.N. officials described as a solidarity visit. According to the United Nations, he met people affected by violence, received briefings from U.N. personnel and Haitian authorities, and assessed support being provided to a newly established international security force tasked with helping combat armed gangs.
The visit came as gang violence continues to disrupt daily life across much of Haiti. New U.N. figures released this week showed that more than 2,300 people have been killed so far in 2026, while nearly 100 have been kidnapped and about 1.5 million displaced. The figures were reported by U.N. officials and cited during Guterres’ visit.
Speaking during the trip, Guterres said the humanitarian situation remained severe and reiterated the need for international engagement. “It is a solidarity visit,” he said upon arrival, according to media reports, referring to Haitians who have endured years of violence linked to armed gangs.
The U.N. secretary-general met Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and reviewed efforts by national authorities and international partners to restore stability. U.N. officials said the discussions included support for security operations and conditions needed to advance political and electoral processes. Haiti has not held a presidential election since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the presidency remains vacant.
The security crisis has intensified in recent years as armed groups expanded their influence in and around Port-au-Prince. U.N. officials estimate that gangs control large parts of the capital, contributing to displacement, kidnappings and disruptions to essential services. Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the impact of violence on civilians and have urged greater protection measures.
During his visit, Guterres toured facilities associated with the international gang-suppression effort and met displaced residents living in temporary shelters. U.N. officials said he heard accounts from families affected by violence and reviewed ongoing humanitarian operations.
As of Wednesday, the United Nations said it would continue supporting Haitian authorities and international security partners, while humanitarian agencies remained engaged in relief efforts for displaced communities. Details on additional measures discussed during the visit remain unclear.
