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The Star
05-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ireland calls for hostages' release after gunmen storm Haiti orphanage
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Ireland's Foreign Ministry called on Tuesday on Haitian authorities to ensure "everything is done" to secure the release of a group of people, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, taken by gunmen who stormed a local orphanage. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris spoke with his Haitian counterpart overnight, the government said in a statement, during which they agreed to stay in touch on their work to ensure the group is released, including missionary Gena Heraty. "It is imperative that she is released immediately," Harris said separately on social media. The attacks took place over the weekend when gunmen stormed the orphanage in Kenscoff, a mountainous community on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince that has been under deadly attacks by armed gangs since the start of this year. Father Richard Frechette, who works with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the international charity that runs the orphanage, told Reuters a total of eight people had been kidnapped including the 3-year-old boy, six staff members and Heraty, who heads special needs programs at the orphanage. "We have not yet been able to reach a ransom agreement to free them," he said. "We hope for their fast and safe return," the charity added on social media. "Our commitment to the Haitian people remains as strong as ever." Armed gangs have in recent years targeted a number of religious, charitable and medical aid groups, including hospitals, NGOs, nuns and priests from congregations based in and around the capital, as well as foreign missionaries. A recent report by the U.N. office in Haiti (BINUH) found the situation remained "very volatile" in Kenscoff while gangs intensified and expanded their attacks in central Haiti and the agricultural Artibonite region. BINUH considers Kenscoff of "major strategic importance" as it overlooks the suburb of Petion-Ville, one of the capital's last hold-outs and the site of multiple embassies, banking institutions and hotels serving as diplomatic meeting places. Over 3,100 people were killed and 336 kidnapped for ransom in the first half of this year in Haiti, according to BINUH estimates, as the number of residents displaced by the extended conflict with the powerful gangs - largely grouped behind a coalition called Viv Ansanm - nearly doubled to 1.3 million. Haitian authorities have repeatedly called for more resources to fight the gangs. A partially deployed and deeply under-equipped U.N.-backed mission kicked off over a year ago but has had little effect in slowing gangs' advances. (Reporting by Sarah Morland in Mexico City, Egeder Fildor and Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ireland calls for hostages' release after gunmen storm Haiti orphanage
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) -Ireland's Foreign Ministry called on Tuesday on Haitian authorities to ensure "everything is done" to secure the release of a group of people, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, taken by gunmen who stormed a local orphanage. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris spoke with his Haitian counterpart overnight, the government said in a statement, during which they agreed to stay in touch on their work to ensure the group is released, including missionary Gena Heraty. "It is imperative that she is released immediately," Harris said separately on social media. The attacks took place over the weekend when gunmen stormed the orphanage in Kenscoff, a mountainous community on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince that has been under deadly attacks by armed gangs since the start of this year. Father Richard Frechette, who works with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the international charity that runs the orphanage, told Reuters a total of eight people had been kidnapped including the 3-year-old boy, six staff members and Heraty, who heads special needs programs at the orphanage. "We have not yet been able to reach a ransom agreement to free them," he said. "We hope for their fast and safe return," the charity added on social media. "Our commitment to the Haitian people remains as strong as ever." Armed gangs have in recent years targeted a number of religious, charitable and medical aid groups, including hospitals, NGOs, nuns and priests from congregations based in and around the capital, as well as foreign missionaries. A recent report by the U.N. office in Haiti (BINUH) found the situation remained "very volatile" in Kenscoff while gangs intensified and expanded their attacks in central Haiti and the agricultural Artibonite region. BINUH considers Kenscoff of "major strategic importance" as it overlooks the suburb of Petion-Ville, one of the capital's last hold-outs and the site of multiple embassies, banking institutions and hotels serving as diplomatic meeting places. Over 3,100 people were killed and 336 kidnapped for ransom in the first half of this year in Haiti, according to BINUH estimates, as the number of residents displaced by the extended conflict with the powerful gangs - largely grouped behind a coalition called Viv Ansanm - nearly doubled to 1.3 million. Haitian authorities have repeatedly called for more resources to fight the gangs. A partially deployed and deeply under-equipped U.N.-backed mission kicked off over a year ago but has had little effect in slowing gangs' advances. Solve the daily Crossword
Straits Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Ireland calls for hostages' release after gunmen storm Haiti orphanage
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox PORT-AU-PRINCE - Ireland's Foreign Ministry called on Tuesday on Haitian authorities to ensure "everything is done" to secure the release of a group of people, including an Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child, taken by gunmen who stormed a local orphanage. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris spoke with his Haitian counterpart overnight, the government said in a statement, during which they agreed to stay in touch on their work to ensure the group is released, including missionary Gena Heraty. "It is imperative that she is released immediately," Harris said separately on social media. The attacks took place over the weekend when gunmen stormed the orphanage in Kenscoff, a mountainous community on the outskirts of the capital Port-au-Prince that has been under deadly attacks by armed gangs since the start of this year. Father Richard Frechette, who works with Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the international charity that runs the orphanage, told Reuters a total of eight people had been kidnapped including the 3-year-old boy, six staff members and Heraty, who heads special needs programs at the orphanage. "We have not yet been able to reach a ransom agreement to free them," he said. "We hope for their fast and safe return," the charity added on social media. "Our commitment to the Haitian people remains as strong as ever." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan Singapore 'She had a whole life ahead of her': Boyfriend mourns Yishun fatal crash victim Singapore Doctor hounded ex-girlfriend, threatened to share her intimate photos, abducted her off street Asia Trump's transactional foreign policy fuels 'US scepticism' in Taiwan Business Women on corporate boards give firms a competitive advantage, says Australian Governor-General Singapore CEO of sports car distributor accused of offences including multiple counts of false trading Armed gangs have in recent years targeted a number of religious, charitable and medical aid groups, including hospitals, NGOs, nuns and priests from congregations based in and around the capital, as well as foreign missionaries. A recent report by the U.N. office in Haiti (BINUH) found the situation remained "very volatile" in Kenscoff while gangs intensified and expanded their attacks in central Haiti and the agricultural Artibonite region. BINUH considers Kenscoff of "major strategic importance" as it overlooks the suburb of Petion-Ville, one of the capital's last hold-outs and the site of multiple embassies, banking institutions and hotels serving as diplomatic meeting places. Over 3,100 people were killed and 336 kidnapped for ransom in the first half of this year in Haiti, according to BINUH estimates, as the number of residents displaced by the extended conflict with the powerful gangs - largely grouped behind a coalition called Viv Ansanm - nearly doubled to 1.3 million. Haitian authorities have repeatedly called for more resources to fight the gangs. A partially deployed and deeply under-equipped U.N.-backed mission kicked off over a year ago but has had little effect in slowing gangs' advances. REUTERS
Telegraph
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Sexual violence surges in Haiti as gangs use rape to control population
Reports of sexual violence almost doubled in Haiti over the past three months, with gangs vying for territory using rape to subjugate residents, the United Nations has warned. At least 628 victims reported sexual attacks in the capital and central Haiti between April and June – up from 333 victims in the first three months of the year, according to new findings released by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). The agency warned that the true number is likely far higher due to 'persistent under-reporting'. Catherine Ann Moore, BINUH's senior women's protection advisor, who is based in Haiti, says the rise is in part linked to gangs having expanded their territorial control since March. The Caribbean island has been gripped by escalating gang violence since 2021, following the assassination of then-president Jovenel Moïse. Ever since, groups have inflicted widespread terror and violence on the civilian population in a brutal bid to expand their control across the capital and beyond. In June, US officials said gangs had gained 'near-total control' of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and that southern Haiti, which until recently was insulated from the violence, has seen a sharp increase in gang-related incidents. In the east, criminal groups have also begun exploiting land routes, including key crossings like Belladere and Malpasse. Haiti has had no president since the assassination, and analysts say law and order has all but collapsed. Kidnappings, murders, rapes and extortion are now daily occurrences. The UN said its most alarming finding was that gang rape is now being used systematically to terrorise and humiliate civilians. It accounts for 85 per cent of all reported sexual violence cases. 'When gangs attack neighbourhoods, they will attack a house, they will loot, they will rape the women and girls, they will usually kill the men, and then they will burn the house down,' Ms Moore says. 'They use sexual violence and rape to humiliate those living in the house.' The UN has documented multiple cases where girls or women were raped in front of family members, with the husbands being forced to watch before being shot and killed. 'How the gangs are using rape to humiliate women and girls, speaks to their malicious behaviour and the length they will go to maintain power and control,' says Ms Moore. When the BBC challenged gang leaders on accounts of killings and rapes earlier this year, one said members 'do things they are not supposed to do', while another said they have a 'duty' to fight the state, and 'when we are fighting we are possessed – we are no longer human'. At least 20 people have also been subjected to sexual slavery, the UN said. In one case, girls aged 14 and 16 were forced into so-called 'relationships' with gang members in the commune of L'Estère and repeatedly raped over several days. Victims are often abducted from public spaces. In some cases, they were killed after being raped. This was the case in April when several women were abducted while they were on board a public transport vehicle in Gressier. The victims were then brought to the gang's stronghold, where they were raped. One of the victims was found shot dead the following day, while the others remained in captivity at the end of June. The vast majority of victims are women, and the youngest reported victim was 10 years old. Boys and men have also been assaulted, though these figures are believed to be severely under-reported due to stigma. Ms Moore cited one instance in which a man was kidnapped, tortured and sexually assaulted. Other factors in the rise include delays in reporting earlier attacks and growing awareness of a new reporting system launched last year. The USAID cuts have also impacted millions in funding for gender-based violence in Haiti, which Ms Moore says has made it harder for the system to respond.
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Security Council Renews UN's Haiti Mission Amid Spiralling Crises
14 July 2025 By adopting resolution 2785, the Council renewed the authorization of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), reaffirming support for a Haitian-led solution to the island nation's overlapping crises. The decision comes as armed gangs maintain their grip on most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with over 1.3 million people displaced and more than 4,000 killed in the first half of 2025 alone, according to UN figures. Conditions have deteriorated dramatically amid growing food insecurity and the erosion of public institutions. Of particular concern is the safety of women and girls, with a sharp rise in reports of sexual violence since the start of the year – including rape, gang rape, and sexual enslavement. Time is running out The Security Council also 'expressed its intention to consider, without delay' the recommendations by the Secretary-General on possible future roles for the UN in sustaining security and stability in Haiti. In February, António Guterres presented the Council with a range of options. ' Each new wave of criminal attacks against the communities and institutions of Haiti is a distressing sign that time is running out,' the UN chief said in a letter. He urged Member States to support the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which the Council authorized in October 2023 to assist Haiti's national police in tackling gang violence and restoring order. He also emphasized that international efforts to improve security must be matched by national progress toward resolving the political crisis. Several Council members voiced willingness to engage on the Secretary-General's proposals. The Chinese representative, for instance, said Beijing was open to working with others to chart a constructive way forward. 'With regard to how to improve the situation in Haiti, including how to respond to the Secretary-General's recommendations, we are ready to have candid communication with all parties, explore viable solutions and seek the broadest possible consensus,' said Geng Shuang, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the UN. Mission critical The Council's action was welcomed by Haiti's Ambassador, who underscored the political and security stakes ahead of a critical 2026 transition timeline. ' This extension should help Haitian authorities undertake a real, genuine political dialogue, to strengthen good governance, bolster security and bring about justice and promote human rights,' said Pierre Ericq Pierre, Permanent Representative to the UN. He also expressed his Government's expectation that the UN mission will support implementation of the national roadmap, including constitutional reforms and elections. Emphasizing national ownership, he added: 'BINUH must work as part of a holistic plan to support Haitian authorities in confronting the grave crisis shaking the country to its core.' The United States, which led negotiations on the resolution alongside Panama, stressed the urgency of political progress and called on international partners to increase support. 'Less than one year remains on the Transitional Presidential Council's planned roadmap for the restoration of democratic institutions,' said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, acting representative. ' Supporting the security of elections and the participation of all sectors of society is key to sustainable political progress in Haiti. Without BINUH, realizing the vision of a stronger, more resilient society would be less likely. ' New mission leadership Council members also welcomed Carlos G. Ruiz Massieu, appointed as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of BINUH, succeeding María Isabel Salvador. Mr. Ruiz Massieu, who currently leads the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, brings decades of diplomatic and political experience, including in peace negotiations and institution-building. The UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) – a special political mission – was established in 2019 to advise and support Haitian authorities on political dialogue, justice, human rights and governance. It succeeded a series of UN peacekeeping and political missions on the island, dating back to 1993, including the large-scale MINUSTAH operation, which wrapped up in 2017 after 13 years.
