FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Dina Paul Parks, Executive Director, 212-337-0005

Haitian Coalition Condemns Recent Wave of Violence in Haiti; Calls on All Actors to Play their Part to Find a Peaceful Resolution

New York, July 28, 2003 -- The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) is deeply distressed by increasing incidents of violence in Haiti, which threaten to destroy all hopes, however faint, of finding a negotiated settlement to a political stalemate that has dragged on for more than three years. Recent acts of violence in the Central Plateau and Cité Soleil; the arrest and incarceration of opposition member Judith Roy; and the act of criminal arson at the "McDonald" market have all contributed to dealing a crushing, if not fatal, blow to the already-beleaguered negotiations process.

We note with particular concern the seriousness of the Central Plateau and Cité Soleil acts of violence, which have -- combined -- left four people dead and scores injured. Late this past Friday evening, July 25thin the Central Plateau, an armed commando attacked a delegation of the Ministry of the Interior, killing at least four government officials and seriously wounding one. Reportedly, this act was committed by the same anti-government group or groups responsible for several other acts of armed violence in the Central Plateau over the course of many months against government targets. In Cité Soleil, violence erupted on July 12th as the civil society coalition Group of 184 sought to exercise its constitutional right to assemble with some neighborhood residents, resulting in serious injury to dozens of individuals and causing substantial material loss. This was perpetrated by so-called Popular Organizations (OPs) close to the ruling Lavalas party. Particularly disturbing of the Cité Soleil violence was the indifference of the Haitian National Police, which was on the scene but blatantly abdicated its responsibility to serve and protect.

"NCHR deplores and strongly condemns violence on the part of any group against another, whatever the political stripe or agenda," said Executive Director, Dina Paul Parks. Furthermore, we are appalled that the government of Haiti would characterize the Group of 184's peaceful gathering as an "act of provocation" as well as attempt to blame NCHR-Haiti for the recent outbreak of violence. NCHR-Haiti has a stellar history of working to protect the human rights of all Haitians and promoting a human rights culture in Haitian society. "The government of Haiti should be joining us in denouncing and aggressively combating political violence of any kind, rather than attempting to justify aggression by a 'blame the victim' argument," added Paul Parks.

NCHR fears that this rapid deterioration of the social and political climate will only worsen the human rights situation and prevent fruitful dialogue between the political actors. Emphasizing the necessity for serious engagement from all sides, Paul Parks notes "An end to this three-year old crisis, particularly on the eve of Haiti's bicentennial, is the obligation of every Haitian. All parties must adhere to the commitment of finding a peaceful resolution, engaging in serious dialogue, not violent attacks against government officials, civil society or citizens of any kind. Only then can we begin the process of building institutions that respond to the Haitian people's aspirations for sustainable development and long-lasting democracy. "

The deterioration of the crisis at this particular moment is all the more regrettable in light of some encouraging progress that has been made over the past three months. These include:

The Government of Haiti (GOH) paid off $32 million in arrears to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This cleared the way for the GOH to receive disbursements on approved loans worth almost $150 million. Paying off the arrears also opened the door for Haiti to negotiate new IDB loans up to $317 million.

The GOH signed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), committing to fiscal and monetary discipline. The agreement calls for the GOH to cut deficit spending by 50%. Both chambers of Parliament have voted new budgets reflecting the reduction in deficit spending. More importantly, this agreement is the first agreement between the GOH and the IMF in more than three years, signaling reengagement by this major international institution.

The Convergence Démocratique (CD) issued public declarations dropping its insistence on the ouster of President Aristide while stating its willingness to participate in the electoral process if its security concerns are addressed by the GOH.

Unfortunately, the latest wave of violence and the lack of political will to bring perpetrators to justice threaten to nullify these positive developments. At this tenuous juncture in Haiti's history, NCHR calls on the Haitian government to:

Publicly condemn all forms of violence, specifically those committed on July 12th in Cité Soleil against those participating in the gathering sponsored by the Group of 184.

Arrest, prosecute and punish all criminals and violators of human rights.

Ensure that the police take all necessary and lawful steps to restore and maintain order and security, and ensure that the human and civil rights of every Haitian are respected.

End the practice of politically-motivated harassment, arrests and indictments.

NCHR calls on members of the opposition to:

Fully engage in serious negotiations that can lead to a resolution of the crisis.

Vigorously condemn and repudiate any acts of violence and sabotage, which will only contribute to the Haitian people's misery.

NCHR calls on the U.S government to:

Apply its full force and resources in support of a negotiated solution to the crisis.

End its discriminatory policy of incarcerating Haitian asylum seekers.

With just five months before Haiti celebrates its bicentennial, it is imperative that all actors play their part in order to move the country forward.