Crisis in Haiti: The CIDH calls for inclusive dialogue

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), in a press release dated November 22, reiterates its concern over the current situation of violence, political and institutional crisis in Haiti. According to the CIDH, it is important to conduct a political dialogue, strengthen democratic institutions and guarantee people’s access to basic services.

The organization, one year after the acts of violence known as the Saline massacre, notes that: « Violence also continues to occur in the demonstrations, as well as an increased shortage of the population access to essential public services ».

According to the statement, the CIDH reports that it has received information about protests that have been ongoing in the country since September 2019 and the deteriorating security situation. This situation, according to the organization, may negatively impact the social, economic and political life of the country.

Some human rights organizations have reported to the OAS body that the police use force during protest movements. « These acts include, among other things, the indiscriminate use of non-lethal weapons, the launching of tear gas among peaceful demonstrators, the firing of demonstrators with short-range non-lethal ammunition and beatings of protesters on the ground or already mastered ».

The CIDH expresses its deep concern at the facts described in the press release of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights of 1 November 2019 indicating that at least 42 people have lost their lives and 86 injured as a result these acts of violence in the demonstrations that took place in the country in the middle of September.

The CIDH is also concerned about the lack of an investigation into the Saline massacre that took place on November 13 and 14, 2018, in which no fewer than 71 people lost their lives.

Taking advantage of this press release to express its solidarity with the families of the victims, the CIDH reminds the Haitian State of its obligation to exhaustively and comprehensively exhaust the lines of investigation related to this massacre, including those that link the possible participation of the state agents and security forces.

« Exhortation to the political and social forces for a possible political dialogue while enhancing democratic institutions and respect for the law as a solution to this difficult and crucial moment that the State of Haiti is going through », said Commissioner Flávia Piovesan , reporter of the CIDH for Haiti.

« It is the duty of the state to investigate and respond to serious human rights violations and to ensure the integrity and dignity of its people, » the statement said.