12591: Haitian Coalition Disturbed by Recent Surge of Human Rights Viola tions: Recommends National Plan (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Merrie Archer <MArcher@nchr.org>

> Haitian Coalition Disturbed by Recent Surge of Human Rights Violations:
> Recommends National Plan
>
> For Immediate Release
> Contact: Merrie Archer, marcher@nchr.org, 212 337-0005
>
> New York, July 29, 2002 - The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR)
> is gravely concerned about the progressive but clear deterioration of the
> situation of human rights in Haiti as evidenced by the continuing violence
> toward human rights defenders, journalists, union and opposition members
> such as the continued threats to recently kidnapped journalist Israel
> Jacky Cantave that have made him silence his radio show. "We are greatly
> relieved that Mr. Cantave and his friend Frantz Ambroise were found alive
> although physically abused, but are deeply disturbed by the impunity that
> their aggressors continue to enjoy," said Merrie Archer, Senior Policy
> Associate at NCHR.
>
> We urge the Government of Haiti to swiftly initiate investigations on the
> attack on the residence and family of human rights defender Jean-Claude
> Bajeux and the kidnapping of and continued threats to journalist and
> political commentator Israel Jacky Cantave.  In addition, we strongly urge
> that outstanding investigations be given top priority and the
> investigating judges be given all possible support and cooperation,
> particularly investigations on the assassinations of Jean Dominique and
> Brignol Lindor, the attempted assassination of NCHR Director Pierre
> Espérance, the reprisal attacks against opposition members following the
> December 17, 2001 assault on the National Palace, and the attack on
> peasants and journalists in Guacimal last May 27th.
>
> We are heartened by several steps taken by the Haitian government in
> recent months to address the country's chronic human rights problems.
> These include corruption, the administration of justice, and disarmament,
> by arresting several leaders of so called popular organizations on
> outstanding charges, creating a weapons buyback program, calling for an
> end to corruption in the ranks of the government, and naming a new judge
> to the Jean Dominique case.
>
> However, a great deal more progress needs to be made to ensure that the
> rights of all Haitians are respected and to effectively guarantee the rule
> of law in Haitian society.  The Haitian government must start by creating
> a long-term plan that seriously addresses the root causes of these issues
> and guard against steps that appear to be ad hoc or simple cosmetic
> changes to the problems at hand.  Ms. Archer added, "In order to ensure
> the steady progression of reform, the government should undertake to
> publish a plan outlining the its strategy and the steps it will take
> during this administration to move toward a rule of law."
>
>
>