Geneva, Oct 3 — At least 5,700 people have been killed or injured in Haiti by gangs or during operations against them since January 1, the UN human rights office said.

High Commissioner Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council that gangs have kidnapped more than 230 people and raped at least 1,000 women and girls. Real figures are likely much higher, he said.

More than half the casualties occurred during security operations against gangs, including strikes by stray bullets and explosive drones. The first Gang Suppression Force operations, mandated by the UN Security Council, have begun but remain far below the needed strength.

Türk said gangs “continue to adapt and expand.” Haiti plans its first presidential and legislative election since 2016 on December 13. Türk said it is hard to imagine conditions for a credible election this year. Türk also urged full, accelerated deployment of the Gang Suppression Force with human rights safeguards. Humanitarian operations in Port-au-Prince remain strained.