UN Expert Cautiously Optimistic on Haiti Security Gains

United Nations human rights expert William O'Neill expressed cautious optimism about Haiti's security situation following a 10-day visit to the country, highlighting small territorial gains against gangs in Port-au-Prince while underscoring the persistent humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

ONeill, the United Nations independent expert on human rights in Haiti, spoke to reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Monday after touring the capital and other areas. He noted signs of progress, including police operations that have reclaimed limited zones from gang control for the first time since 2022 and a more visible, motivated national police force. "There are slight areas where the gangs have been chased away, but they're very small," ONeill said. "It's not clear the police can hold those areas." Haitian police reported killing several gang members and seizing weapons in downtown Port-au-Prince on Monday, part of ongoing efforts to push back the powerful Viv Ansanm coalition, which controls much of the city.

Despite these developments, ONeill described a dire daily reality for Haitians, with gangs dominating up to 90 percent of Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. At...