Since February 5, a group of individuals presenting themselves as students, illegally occupied the Rectorate Building of the State University of Haiti (UEH) in order, according to their declaration give their support to members of the administrative staff of the UEH on indefinite strike and the implementation of the new salary scale... This occupation is blocking the supply of a set of strategic services in particular with other independent institutions, including the use of accounting documents...

Last Thursday the "students" had erected barricades of burning tires in front of the main gate of the Rectorate of the UEH. Following an attempt by the National Police of Haiti to dislodge these student protesters a computer room, a toilet block and a deposit were burned in unclear circumstances, the damage are significant. Also, bulletin boards were destroyed and the cars windshield broken in the courtyard.

In a note, signed by the rector Jean Vernet Henry, the Executive Board of UEH "condemns the illegal occupation of the premises of the Rectorate by a group of individuals presenting themselves as students," and pressure "on members of administrative staff present compelling them to leave their workstation."

"[...] The Executive Council demands an end without delay of this movement and the evacuation of the premises. Fault by offenders to comply with appropriate administrative, disciplinary and judicial measures will be applied in the circumstances, in order to safeguard the best interests of the UEH."

IH/ TB/ iciHaiti