Fifth Session of the Human Rights Council

Situation of Human Rights in Haiti

U.S. Statement Delivered by Jan Levin
Senior Human Rights Officer

Geneva,
June 12, 2007

Thank you, Mr. President.

The independent expert, Mr. Louis Joinet, should be commended for providing a thorough and detailed overview of the situation in Haiti. 

The United States agrees that Haiti’s restoration of democratic institutions during 2006 constitutes a significant achievement.  The 2006 election cycle, which continued through early 2007, was rated fair and free by international observers and, with security support provided by the United Nations Stabilizations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), proceeded under relatively calm conditions.  However, much work remains to consolidate the rule of law.
 
The United States notes the need for continued improvement in Haiti’s police and the judicial system.  The U.S. provides assistance for the government’s continuing effort to screen, train and professionalize the Haitian National Police, and we have provided over $40 million to the Haitian National Police and the Haitian Coast Guard since 2004.  We have also contributed over $600 million in bilateral assistance to Haiti from 2004 to 2006.

The United States welcomes the anti-gang efforts of the Haitian National Police, in close coordination with MINUSTAH, that have effectively disrupted gang control of Port-au-Prince’s slums and resulted in the arrest of over 700 gang members and several prominent gang leaders.  These anti-gang operations have reduced serious crime in Port-au-Prince and provided a much-needed boost in public confidence.

This progress, however, will not be sustained if the police and judicial system are not credible or effective.  Corruption and institutional capacity within the judiciary remains a major concern, as does the woeful state of Haiti’s corrections facilities.  The international community must be prepared to continue its support to Haiti for the long term in order to consolidate the gains achieved to date and to secure conditions conducive to democratic governance, the rule of law, and the permanent reduction of criminality, especially crimes against women.

Thank you, Mr. President.