Gangs in Haiti are continuing their proud tradition of terrorising communities with what the UN's Designated Human Rights Expert for Haiti, William O'Neill, eloquently describes as the 'wanton, intentional infliction of incredible pain' on people who, let's face it, were probably just trying to get some groceries.

A new report from the UN's political office in Haiti, BINUH, reveals that in just two neighbourhoods of Port-au-Prince, at least 613 people were killed and 375 more injured during a 4.5-month period ending July 31. Because who needs a whole year to achieve that kind of carnage?

More than a third of the victims were civilians minding their own business, including 111 women and 77 children. Because nothing says 'gang control' like murdering the people you're supposedly controlling.

The report also shines a light on the gang's 'romantic' side: more than 176 women and girls were raped by gang members, often as a 'punishment' for living in areas controlled by rival gangs. Because in Haiti, as elsewhere, the best way to win a turf war is to attack innocent bystanders.

If you're keeping score at home, that's over 18,000 people forced to flee their homes, because nothing says 'home sweet home' like a gang shootout on your front lawn.

For those who appreciate specifics, the report highlights a June 13 incident following a World Cup match between Haiti and Scotland. A crowd of 300, including a musical group, was attacked by a gang, some of whom had the audacity to use rooftops for better vantage points. At least 61 people were killed and 20 injured, including seven children, the youngest of whom was just seven years old. Truly, the gang members are overachievers in the 'senseless violence' department.