The United Kingdom Government Wednesday imposed sanctions on Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier for “serious human rights abuses”. According to the sanction, Cherizier is one of Haiti’s most influential gang leaders and has been accused of performing acts that “threaten the peace, security and stability of Haiti.”

The decision follows a UN Security Council meeting earlier this month during which a UN official told the Council that Haiti was facing a human rights crisis amidst ongoing gang violence.

In October, the Security Council sanctioned Cherizier, citing human rights concerns. The Security Council sanction alleged that Cherizier was involved in planning the November 2018 Port-au-Prince attack, during which 71 civilians were killed, at least seven women were raped and over 400 homes were destroyed. The sanction alleged ongoing violence has been committed by Cherizier since 2018 and since October 11, 2022, Cherizier’s gang has prevented the movement of fuel from Haiti’s largest fuel terminal.

The sanction reflects the UN’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in the country and follows the recent joint report of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on sexual violence perpetrated by gangs in Port-au-Prince.