In reaction to the latest figures published by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) regarding the number of dead and injured during security operations conducted against armed gangs in Haiti—notably during drone attacks reportedly carried out at times by a private military company—Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International, stated:
“The use of armed drones in densely populated urban areas sets a disturbing precedent in Haiti and exposes the population, particularly children, to direct danger. It likely leads to extrajudicial executions. The Haitian authorities must prevent their illegal use and clarify who is deploying these drones and under what legal framework.”
In a public statement, Amnesty International denounced the fact that this new form of violence exacerbates the crisis already severely affecting children in Haiti. According to the report published by the organization in February 2025, children are being recruited by criminal gangs, subjected to sexual violence and homicide, and deprived of access to education, healthcare, and the most basic protection.
“Using armed drones indiscriminately against children is shocking and deeply cruel,” said Ana Piquer. “The Haitian State must protect children, not expose them to new forms of violence by resorting to lethal technologies. While resources are dedicated to militarization, millions of children live in fear, go hungry, and cannot attend school. Child protection must be placed at the heart of any response to the crisis running through the country.”
