WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) says it welcomes the efforts of the international community to find solutions to the crisis in Haiti, where criminal gangs have vowed to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Dr. Ariel Henry.
In addition, the principal, autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) is also calling for dialogue and engagement in Haiti to strengthen possibilities for improving the security necessary for a peaceful political transition to emerge from the country’s humanitarian, social, economic, and institutional crisis in recent years.
“In this regard, the IACHR appreciates the efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which held an emergency high-level meeting in Jamaica on March 11, 2024. Haitian stakeholders and international development partners participated to discuss the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.”
It said agreements reached at the high-level meeting include creating a Presidential Transitional Council composed of seven voting members and two non-voting observers, including one civil society member and one community member. Inter-religious, and the establishment of arrangements for a peaceful transition to ensure the continuity of governance and the establishment of a national security council.
It said the participants also agreed to continue working with the international community to accelerate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission authorized by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023.
The IACHR also noted the decision of some international partners to increase their financial assistance to Haiti and provide additional humanitarian aid to support food security initiatives. The IACHR takes note of the resignation of Prime Minister l Henry.
“Despite these efforts, the Commission reiterates its deep concern about the current situation. According to information provided by civil society organizations inside and outside Haiti during a recent meeting, the problem is severe, catastrophic, and chaotic.
“In particular, organizations have noted that violence perpetrated by armed groups continues to escalate to even more alarming levels. Several assassinations, kidnappings, and acts of sexual violence are committed daily.
“In this context, women and children represent the most vulnerable groups. Children cannot go to school. The organizations also expressed the terror they faced after the mass escape of around 4,000 detainees.
“Likewise, since the capital has been barricaded, people cannot go to the countryside to find a safe place. Some students are trapped in universities, alone, without any security. Additionally, attacks at the airport make it difficult for products to enter, which can lead to a lack of food and severe malnutrition for many Haitians.”
The IACHR said it reiterates the importance of seeking permanent solutions to overcome this severe crisis with the attention and support of the international community and under the leadership of Haitians with the participation of civil society organizations.
“As such, the Commission encourages member states and other countries to continue their efforts to stem violence and insecurity.”
It said that these efforts should also prioritize the establishment, strengthening, and support of institutional capacities, civil society networks, and public policies and integrate the protection of human rights, the strengthening of democratic institutions, and the restoration of citizen confidence in public institutions.
“To this end, it is essential that this transition process involves the participation of individuals, groups, communities, and civil society organizations without discrimination by ensuring transparency and accountability,” the IACHR added.
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