23120: (Chamberlain) Human rights, security at risk in Haiti (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Greg Chamberlain <GregChamberlain@compuserve.com>

WASHINGTON, Sept 7 (AFP): Some key basic rights of Haitians remain "weak
and imperiled" while armed groups control security in parts of the
impoverished country, seven months after former president Jean Bertrand
Aristide fled amid an uprising, an Organization of American States rights
panel said Tuesday.

OAS's Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) "remains concerned
over several key areas in which the basic rights and freedoms of Haitians
remain weak and imperiled," the panel said in a statement.

"The Commission is particularly concerned regarding the security situation
in Haiti, where armed groups appear to control security in significant
areas of the country and where the State is not providing effective
protection to the people living in those regions," the statement said.

An interim government was established after Aristide went into exile on
February 29 amid a popular and armed revolt. The 34-nation OAS recognized
the interim Haitian government in June.

A United Nations stabilization force took over security from US and French
troops in June.

The IACHR urged the new government to take "urgent steps" with the
international community to take weapons away from armed groups and provide
security to the population.

The panel's five-person delegation, led by Commissioner Clare Roberts,
visited Haiti between September 1-3.

The rights commission said a "major concern" was the "weaknesses in the
administration of justice in Haiti" and the "ongoing problem of impunity."

The IACHR received reports of alleged violence against Haitians based on
their political affiliations. Violence against women, children and human
rights activists was also reported.

Still, the commission said it had returned from its mission with "a sense
of hope for the Haitian population." Next year's elections provide a chance
to establish "greater stability" in the country, it said.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas.