In a context marked by the alarming rise in sexual violence, particularly that perpetrated by armed gangs, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti renews its support for the Haitian National Police (PNH).

At the initiative of the Office of the High Commissioner, in collaboration with the National Coordination for Women's Affairs and Gender Issues (CNAFQG), some sixty police investigators, including 37 women, were trained in sexual violence investigation techniques. This training session, funded by the Canadian government, took place successively in Cap-Haitien, in the North department, and then in Les Cayes, in the Siuth department.

The objectives of these training sessions were to strengthen the technical capabilities of PNH investigators in cases of sexual violence, particularly those related to armed gangs; to improve the reception, listening, and care of victims; Standardize investigative methods and integrate human rights into every stage of the process.

Participants come from the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) units, the Child Protection Brigade (BPM), and the Departmental Section of the Judicial Police (SDPJ), spread across nine departments : North, Northeast, Northwest, Center, Artibonite, South, Southeast, Nippes, and Grand'Anse, as well as from the police stations of Léogâne, Petit-Goâve, and Grand-Goâve.

These sessions also strengthened collaboration between specialized PNH units and grassroots community organizations, including the Madeline Women's Association (AFM) and the Women and Girls Support Center (CAFFI), to ensure a more coordinated, integrated, and effective response to this type of violence.

Through the use of educational modules, a practical guide, case studies, and role-playing exercises, participants are now better prepared to address complex challenges on the ground.

It should be noted that following these sessions, the Departmental Directors of the North and South represented the PNH High Command at the opening and closing ceremonies, demonstrating the institutional commitment to combating sexual violence in Haiti.

IH/ iciHaiti