Escalating gang violence

Criminal groups in the capital continue their expansion, taking control of additional neighbourhoods and further isolating communities.

The national police force, grappling with a severe lack of resources, remains overstretched and faces significant challenges in containing the escalating violence

The toll of gang-related violence has reached catastrophic levels, with the UN human rights office (OHCHR) reporting nearly 4,000 gang related deaths in 2024 alone.

Gender based violence, including sexual violence used as a weapon of terror, has reached alarming levels. Women and children bear a disproportionate burden of the crisis, with 94 percent of displaced women and girls at heightened risk of violence.

Humanitarian response efforts

Despite severe access constraints, IOM continues to provide life-saving assistance through mobile medical clinics, rental subsidies for displaced persons, protection of services, psychological support, water delivery to displacement sites and supports at border crossings.

The Organisation maintains operations throughout the country, including migrant protection centres and community stabilisation projects.

IOM emphasised the importance of upholding humanitarian principles amid the escalating crisis and called on all parties to respect the neutrality and impartiality of aid operations, allowing unimpeded access to those in need and safeguarding the integrity of humanitarian assistance.

Funding crisis

The humanitarian response faces a severe funding shortfall, with the UN’s $674 million response plan critically underfunded at just 42 percent.

“Without immediate international support, the suffering will worsen exponentially,” Mr Goodstein emphasised.