Gang Violence

• The United Nations has issued an urgent warning that Haiti faces a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe as gang violence has displaced over 300,000 people in the past two months alone. • The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies; gang-controlled areas now cover approximately 60% of Port-au-Prince. • The US has deployed additional Coast Guard vessels to monitor the situation and assist with refugee operations, while discussions continue about potential military intervention or expanded peacekeeping measures.

Review recommends better use of NDIS data to identify repeat rorters and a requirement for providers to register with the governmentGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOrganised crime gangs are using the national disability insurance scheme to launder money, earn income and hide assets, law enforcement officials have warned parliament, seriously undermining probity in the $50bn program.The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) has told a review into NDIS integrity that criminals are paying cash kickbacks to participants and their families, and sometimes resorting to intimidation and threats of physical violence towards vulnerable people to rip off taxpayers. Continue reading...

• US military C-130s airlifted 500 tons of food and medicine to Port-au-Prince on April 8, 2026, as gangs control 80% of the capital. • Over 4,000 killed this year; UN reports 1.5 million face starvation, prompting Biden admin's $100 million pledge. • Aid crucial for US backyard stability, preventing mass migration waves like 2021's 20,000 border encounters.

• US State Department endorsed on April 4, 2026, a Kenyan-led multinational force of 2,500 troops to deploy to Haiti within 60 days to combat gang control in Port-au-Prince. • Gangs control 85% of the capital, with 4,000 homicides reported in 2025; US provides $150 million in logistics and training support. • The mission addresses a humanitarian crisis displacing 700,000 Haitians, as highlighted by UN envoy William O'Neill: 'State collapse is imminent without intervention.'