Haiti: UN Reports 471 Deaths From the Conflict in Cité Soleil

The United Nations reported Tuesday that clashes between armed groups in the Cité Soleil commune of Haiti's capital had left more than 471 people dead, wounded, or missing.

RELATED:
UN Assists Victims of Gang Violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The UN confirmed that the figure occurred from July 8 to 17; meanwhile, it warned about the increase of severe cases of sexual violence against women and girls and the recruitment of children by gangs.

The document also revealed that around 3000 people had abandoned their homes, including children without guardians. It also indicates that at least 140 homes have been destroyed.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ulrika Richardson, urged the warring parties to end the violence and guarantee the conditions for an open humanitarian corridor to Cité Soleil.

The testimony of a young Haitian from Port-au-Prince: "I wake up to the sound of gunshots."

At the same time, Richardson highlighted that the needs in this area of Port-au-Prince are "immense and growing due to poverty, lack of basic services, including security, and a recent increase in violence."

Accordingly, she assured us that the UN "is committed to continuing providing assistance to the most vulnerable children, women and men in need, in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence."

She said that "UN humanitarian agencies are providing humanitarian assistance," and a "more sustainable and holistic approach to medium- and long-term development" is needed.