In an update, external on the situation in the Caribbean nation on Friday, Türk added that more than 50% of casualties occurred in the context of security operations against gangs, with hundreds struck “by stray bullets and explosive drones”.

Gang violence had already been rampant under Moïse, but the power vacuum created by his murder allowed violent groups to seize more territory and become more influential.

Türk said gangs “continue to adapt and expand”, with evidence collected by the UN pointing at “a strategy of seizing new territory and key transport routes, threatening stability”.

The number of executions carried out by specialised police units dropped in recent months, he said, but people allegedly associated with gangs continue to face a high risk of summary executions.

The high commissioner added that recruitment of children into gangs has “nearly tripled”, as to many minors joining a gang “can be the only mean of survival”.

“No child should be forced to choose between their lives and the security of their neighbours,” Türk said.

Haiti is preparing to hold its first presidential and legislative election since 2016 on 13 December.

However, Türk said that it is “hard to imagine the conditions to hold a credible election could be met this year”, given the current situation.

A multinational police force has been operating in Haiti since 2025 to to tackle escalating gang violence in the conflict-torn country but it has struggled to even enter areas where gangs hold sway.