At least 362 cases of kidnappings were recorded in Haiti in the third quarter, an increase of 141.3% compared to the previous period, where 150 kidnappings took place, the Center for Analysis and Research on Human Rights (CARDH) reported this Wednesday.

According to the CARDH Crime Monitoring Unit, between last July and September, 11 collective kidnappings were recorded, most of them in Bas-Artibonite.

In this area, there were 6 collective kidnappings during the previous quarter, an increase of 83.3%, the study adds.

"This department will become a main hub for kidnappings if action is not taken," the entity warned.

The increase in kidnappings is due to the weakening of the "Bwa Kale" citizen movement, which in certain localities confronted powerful armed gangs, as well as the absence of measures to prevent the resurgence of violence caused by them.

The organization reported that from January 1st to September 30 of this year, there were 901 kidnappings in the country, of which at least 63 were foreign citizens.

During the same period, CARDH said 1,564 homicides were committed.

HL/ HaitiLibre