The International Red Cross says a Haitian staff member has been kidnapped and killed in Haiti.

The victim, Joel Cauvin, was abducted Wednesday evening and found dead near his home in Port-au-Prince, late Thursday. He had been shot in the head.

"The ICRC is deeply distressed by the death of Mr. Cauvin, who had been taking an active part in the organization's humanitarian activities for the past 10 years. It extends its heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues," said a statement on the organization's web site.

"The ICRC is extremely concerned about the growing insecurity in Haiti. It will continue to conduct its neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian operations for the civilians who are suffering from the current violence in the country."

Kidnappings and killings have been a constant in the lead up to elections in Haiti, in spite of the presence of international peacekeepers.

Earlier this month, calling the situation in Haiti "dangerous and unpredictable," the Canadian government issued a travel advisory.

"Canadians should not travel to Haiti. Canadians already in Haiti should evaluate their need to remain and, if their presence is not essential, should consider leaving," said the Department of Foreign Affairs.