Humanitarian and security situation in Haiti, in particular the rising power of criminal gangs and the recent massacre in Cabaret

European Parliament resolution of 9 October 2025 on the humanitarian and security situation in Haiti, in particular the rising power of criminal gangs and the recent massacre in Cabaret (2025/2905(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas on 11 September 2025, in a brutal massacre in Labodrie, Cabaret, the criminal gang coalition Viv Ansanm killed over 40 people, including children, the elderly and even entire families;

B.whereas these gangs kill, kidnap, commit sexual violence and forcibly recruit children, acting with impunity due to the breakdown of the justice system; whereas state institutions, undermined by corruption, have largely collapsed; whereas gang violence has killed more than 16 000 people since 2022;

C.whereas these gangs have expanded their control, displacing over 1,3 million people; whereas half of the population faces acute food insecurity; whereas the collapse of education and healthcare systems in gang-controlled areas has obstructed humanitarian access;

D.whereas the UN’s humanitarian response plan remains critically underfunded; whereas USAID cuts have suspended vital humanitarian services and threaten support for UN missions;

E.whereas the Multinational Security Support Mission faces serious shortages; whereas on 30 September 2025, the UN Security Council approved the mission’s transition to the Gang Suppression Force;

F.whereas the limited capacity of Haitian security forces and insufficient international support prevent the adequate protection of civilians;

G.whereas in 2024, nearly 200 000 people were deported to Haiti;

1.Strongly condemns the Cabaret massacre and the alarming escalation of gang violence in Haiti;

2.Calls for justice reform to end impunity and ensure that all criminals are held accountable; calls for international support to rebuild judicial capacity;

3.Calls on all Haitian stakeholders to engage in dialogue to break the political deadlock, agree on a transitional roadmap and prevent the financing of armed groups and trafficking of weapons; supports the Caribbean Community and Common Market’s mediation efforts;

4.Urges the EU and its Member States to support security, development and political transition in Haiti, and to meaningfully and urgently increase humanitarian aid – including food, healthcare and protection services – while establishing strict monitoring mechanisms and ensuring safe access for relief operations;

5.Calls for the EU and its Member States to support enhancing the capacity of Haitian security forces and to ensure that the new Gang Suppression Force is properly staffed, funded and equipped to fulfil its mandate, with robust human rights and accountability safeguards;

6.Calls for the EU and its Member States to continue imposing targeted sanctions against gang leaders and sponsors and to halt illicit arms flows into Haiti; calls on Haiti’s neighbouring countries and the international community to strengthen border controls and effectively enforce arms embargoes;

7.Expresses grave concern regarding the situation of Haitian asylum seekers; calls on regional actors to play a constructive role in promoting stability, mediation and assistance for the Haitian people;

8.Strongly condemns systematic sexual violence against women and girls; demands action to abolish the Restavèk system; calls for support for survivors of sexual violence;

9.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States, the UN Secretary-General and the Haitian authorities.