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Human Rights in Haiti require Canada's long-term assistance

MONTREAL – Apr. 26, 2006 – The Government of Canada should greet the upcoming Canadian visit by René Préval, Haiti’s President-elect, by laying-out concrete measures for honouring Canada’s pledge of long-term assistance to democracy and human rights in Haiti, says Rights & Democracy. With voter turnout estimated at less than 30% in last week’s election for 97 members of Haiti’s Chamber of Deputies and 30 Senators, efforts thus far to build confidence in Haiti’s democratic processes are clearly in need of support and Canada cannot afford to relent in its commitments to this end, both politically and financially.

The low voter turnout stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming voter participation in February’s first-round legislative and presidential elections, which saw Mr. Préval elected with 51% of the vote. Notwithstanding the organizational problems and security risks faced by Haitian voters, the recent elections gave new hope to those eager for peace and stability in Haiti.

“Canada cannot lose sight of this hope and must continue to build on the investments it has made in seeing democracy take root in Haiti,” said Jean-Louis Roy, President of Rights & Democracy. “It’s vital that Mr. Préval return from this visit to Canada with specific commitments from our government in support of democracy and human rights in Haiti.”

The Canadian government must continue to work with Haitians in reforming and strengthening Haiti’s public institutions, including the judiciary, the police, the Office de la Protection du Citoyen, and other institutions charged with promoting and protecting human rights in Haiti.

Canada should also reiterate its support for civil society groups in Haiti that continue to play an instrumental role in promoting international human rights and democracy as well as improving the well-being of Haitians. Key to this support is Canada’s help in encouraging dialogue between civil society and the Haitian government.

Finally, Haiti’s economic and social development depends on a strong commitment from regional organizations such as the Organization of American States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Canada should continue to work with its partners in the hemisphere to consolidate democracy and improve the human rights situation in Haiti.