ABSTRACT
During the reporting period, the situation in Haiti continued to degenerate amid dire humanitarian conditions and spiralling gang violence, with unprecedented homicide and kidnapping rates. Armed groups continued to expand their territorial control and challenge (and infiltrate) the state. Organised armed gangs now control much of the capital of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, challenging state function and legitimacy. Haitian leaders inside and outside Haiti have called for foreign involvement to help stabilise the country. However, due to the history of many failed foreign interventions in Haiti in the twentieth century, the international community remains reluctant to send troops or volunteer United Nations peacekeeping forces.
