The fresh wave of violence recorded from Feb. 27 to March 9 in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and in the central region of Artibonite also has displaced hundreds of people and forced farmers to abandon fields as starvation worsens, officials said.

In addition, 152 people were wounded, two women are still missing and 260 others have been kidnapped from their homes or public places since the beginning of the year, BINUH added.

The surge of gangs is happening in a context of extreme violence and systematic violations of the right to life, physical integrity and property, BINUH warned.

BINUH also condemned that the region of Artibonite has become scenario of conflicts between armed groups, in order to frighten the population and control more territory.

The situation forced people to displace and abandon rice fields and plantations despite food insecurity, deaths and destruction of private and public properties.

Current crisis is more alarming for children, who are often victims of armed violence, forced recruitment and sexual aggression with dramatic consequences.

In this context, the UN reaffirmed its support to population and its commitment to work with national, regional and international partners to help efforts of public institutions towards a return to stability and security.

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