Collapse of public administration

Haiti is entering 2026 facing one of the most complex crises in its recent history. On Wednesday, the Caribbean island nation will be high on the international agenda as the UN Security Council holds its first meeting of the year to update ambassadors.
A recordseizure of cocaineoff the coast of Haiti has underlined the island nations pivotal role in trafficking routes linking South America, the Caribbean and the United States of America, according to the United Nations.
Standing outside a colourfully painted building in southeastern Haiti, at the entrance to a bustling shop called Gods Will Depot where bags of food are stacked to the ceiling, Ketia surveys the large pile of groceries she has selected for her family: a big sack of flour, packages of spaghetti, boxed milk, some bars of soap.
Armed gangs control large swathes of territory and violence has spread well beyond the capital Port-au-Prince, weakening the States ability to govern and deliver basic services.
Presidential elections have not been held for a decade and humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels with millions struggling to meet their daily needs.
Violence has intensified and expanded geographically, exacerbating food insecurity and instability, as transitional governance arrangements near expiry and overdue elections remain urgent, according to the UNSecretary-General Antnio Guterresin his latestreporton the UNs political mission in Haiti, BINUH.
Giles ClarkeA gang member poses with a high-calibre rifle in the Delmas 3 neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince.
The crisis in Haiti is multifaceted. Gang control of urban zones and transport routes and increased activity in rural areas, are disrupting livelihoods and humanitarian access nationwide.
Extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods and droughts as well as devastating earthquakes have worsened the humanitarian situation and complicated the ability of the country to recover and develop.
UNICEF/Patrice NoelThe southern city of Les Cayes is flooded due to Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
With more than one in ten Haitians having fled their homes due to violence, the country risks prolonged instability.
The displacement of people - including through migration could heighten pressures on neighbouring countries and undermine regional economic and security stability.
Armed violence intensified in the last three months of 2025 and remains the dominant force shaping the daily life of Haitians.
Gangs with heavy weapons, use sexual violence and kidnappings for ransom to assert control, while police operations sometimes supported by the UNSecurity Council-backed Gang Suppression Force have pushed back in limited areas opening some key routes.
Despite some tactical gains, killings remain widespread, especially outside the capital, and reprisals against civilians continue.
Haitis political transition is approaching a critical deadline. An electoral decree and calendar now point to the hope that elections will take place which will see the installation of an elected President and Legislature in early 2027.
MINUSTAH/Logan AbassiPeople cast their vote in elections in Haitis capital Port au Prince, in October 2015. (file)
Some observers question whether elections are feasible without significant security improvements.
Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate in Haiti as funding shortfalls are limiting the reach of life-saving assistance.
- Food insecurity affects 5.7 million people, with nearly two million at emergency levels.
- Displacement has doubled to 1.4 million people in one year.
- Many health facilities are barely functioning and cholera has remained a major public health concern.
- In the 2024-25 school year1,600 schools closed due to violence with 1.5 million lacking access to education.

UNICEF/Herold JosephMany children in Haiti are struggling to maintain their studies.
Women and girls are among the most affected by Haitis crisis.
Gangs routinely use sexual violence, including collective rape, as a tool of intimidation and control. The reporting of incidents remains low due to fear and stigma, and access to survivor-centred services is limited, compounding trauma and impunity.
The UN has continually emphasized that restoring security is essential, but it is not enough on its own.
Without progress on governance, justice, accountability and social services, especially for youth, any security gains will be fragile.
National consensus and sustained international support are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and instability.
The United Nations is supporting Haiti in a number of ways.
- The political mission,BINUHprovides human rights monitoring and electoral assistance and supports police development.
- UN Humanitarian agencies deliver life-saving aid to the most vulnerable communities. TheHumanitarian Response Planfor 2026 is seeking $880 million to assist 4.2 million people.
- Preparations are under way for the recently-established United Nations Support Office in Haiti (UNSOH) to provide logistical and operational backing to the Gang Suppression Force.

Giles ClarkeA gang member poses with a high-calibre rifle in the Delmas 3 neighbourhood of Port-au-Prince.UNICEF/Patrice NoelThe southern city of Les Cayes is flooded due to Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.MINUSTAH/Logan AbassiPeople cast their vote in elections in Haitis capital Port au Prince, in October 2015. (file)UNICEF/Herold JosephMany children in Haiti are struggling to maintain their studies.