Controversial Use of Lethal Force Sparks Global Concerns

The U.N. Human Rights chief condemned Haiti's disproportionate use of lethal force, including drone strikes against gangs, stating these actions are likely unlawful. More than half of this year's killings are attributed to such strategies. The conflict has displaced 1.3 million people and exacerbated hunger in Haiti.

In a stark warning, the U.N. Human Rights chief criticized Haiti's heavy-handed tactics against gangs, including drone strikes that contributed to over half of the nation's killings this year. Volker Turk, addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council, highlighted the concerning trend of excessive use of force.

Evidence suggests that police units summarily executed 174 individuals alleged of gang ties, and government-sanctioned drone strikes in Port-au-Prince have reportedly killed at least 559 people, among them 11 children. Local media reports reveal that a recent drone strike on a gang leader's birthday party resulted in the deaths of eight children.

As Haiti grapples with gang violence, which has displaced 1.3 million people, international support remains scant despite the U.N. Security Council's mandate for a Kenyan-led force. The Haitian government has turned to private security firm Vectus Global, led by Erik Prince, for drone deployments, a controversial move that raises further ethical questions.

(With inputs from agencies.)