The US Department of State announced on 25 September 2024 that the US Treasury is sanctioning a former member of Haiti’s parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti, as well as the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, Luckson Elan, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to gang activity in Haiti’s Artibonite Department.
Both Victor and Elan are highlighted in the recent final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts as being significantly responsible for the crisis in Haiti. The report states that the “levels of violence and the depths of cruelty that gangs will go to in violating human rights are unprecedented, with regular indiscriminate attacks against the population and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. Sexual and gender-based violence and rape, in particular, have become one of the most horrific expressions of violence over the past two years.”
The US State Department stated: “Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government and for our use of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to expose those who commit such heinous crimes anywhere they occur.”
Prophane Victor is accused of forming and materially supporting gangs that have been responsible for severe human rights violations in Haiti. He reportedly began arming young men in the Petite Rivière area of Artibonite to secure his political control during his election in 2016. These individuals later formed the Gran Grif gang, which has become notorious for its violent activities, including sexual violence and other forms of cruelty against the local population.Victor’s support for gang activities continued until at least 2020, during which he was involved in arms trafficking and provided financial assistance to various gangs throughout Haiti. His actions have contributed significantly to the climate of terror that currently afflicts many communities in Haiti.
Coinciding with the UN General Assembly in New York, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced these sanctions as part of a commitment to hold accountable those who exploit violence and human rights abuses for political gain. The sanctions were implemented under Executive Order 13818, targeting individuals who materially assist or support entities engaged in serious human rights abuses.The U.S. government emphasized that combating gender-based violence is a priority and highlighted the unprecedented levels of violence perpetrated by gangs, which have included indiscriminate attacks on civilians and obstruction of humanitarian aid.
Haiti continues to struggle with widespread gang violence, which has severely impacted its political stability and economic conditions. The Haitian Prime Minister recently acknowledged that the nation is far from winning its battle against armed gangs, indicating a pressing need for international support and intervention. Kidnappings and violence affecting both residents and humanitarian efforts prevail.
Recently, the US announced sanctions against former Haitian President Michel Martelly for his support to drug trafficking, accusing him of playing a significant role in perpetuating the ongoing crisis in the country.
Read more:
US Department of State
Diario Libre
ABC News
UN Security Council Report
Reuters
26 September 2024