Gang violence in Haiti continues to adapt and expand, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned on Friday, October 2.

At least 5,700 people have been killed or injured by gangs, or during operations against them, since January 1, according to the UN human rights office. Gangs have kidnapped more than 230 people and raped at least 1,000 women and girls this year. The UN says the real figures are likely higher.

Extortion, looting and the destruction of property are choking economic activity and keeping people from schools, hospitals and other essential services, Türk said.

He said the international Gang Suppression Force has helped but remains far below the strength it needs, and he called for its full and accelerated deployment, with human rights safeguards in place.

The warning came days after the UN Security Council renewed the force for six months and after gang members killed at least 11 civilians in Gros-Morne, in the Artibonite.