The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression are concerned about increased violence in the context of the political crisis that has been ongoing in Haiti since mid-2018. This crisis includes pressures to end the president’s mandate and a disproportionate use of force by police to repress demonstrations. The IACHR urges the State to adopt all measures necessary to ensure the right to peaceful assembly and to take urgent action to preserve Haitians’ lives and integrity, as well as ensuring that journalists can do their job. The IACHR further asks all political forces in Haiti to return to peaceful political negotiations and to preserve the country’s democratic institutions.

"Adverse conditions in Haiti prompt three main priorities: restarting political talks, ensuring free and peaceful protests, and fully restoring the basic services that have been brought to a standstill by the escalation of violence," said Commissioner Flávia Piovesan, IACHR Rapporteur for Haitin, "In this context, the Commission will further pursue and even strengthen its efforts to monitor the ongoing situation in the country."

IH/ iciHaiti