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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dina Paul Parks, 212-337-0005,
x11
Fund Created To Assist Hatian
Detainees
New York and
Miami, November 21, 2002 -- Televised
scenes of Haitians scrambling overboard in a desperate attempt
to reach Miami's shores last month won't be easily forgotten.
But the plight of these Haitians currently in INS detention
will be unless we do something immediately.
Thanks to a group of concerned leaders from the Haitian,
legal, business, and religious communities, we are proud to
announce the creation of the Haitian Legal Aid Fund (HALAF).
The Fund has a two-fold agenda. One is a coordinated
effort to ensure that all Haitian detainees obtain free legal
representation. A list of pro bono lawyers from various
law firms, bars and nonprofit legal advocacy agencies is
already in formation.
The second objective is to attend to the financial needs of
the detainees. Because we are working to provide all the
detainees with pro bono services, HALAF funds will not be used
to hire lawyers but rather to respond to other immediate needs
of the detainees, such as bonds, filing fees or other related
expenses.
The New York based National Coalition for Haitian Rights
has generously agreed to serve as HALAF's fiscal agent free of
charge. All money donated to the fund will be used
directly to support the detainees.
Haitian communities in Chicago, New York, Atlanta and
Boston are already mobilizing in support of the Fund, with
some cities setting up local drop-off centers for donations at
Haitian community-based organizations.
Concerned individuals, foundations, law firms and other
interested parties can show their support by offering pro bono
legal services and/or making donations to the Haitian Legal
Aid Fund. To volunteer your services or for more
information, call 212-337-0005 ext. 20. Tax
deductible donations can be made online at www.nchr.org
or by check, made out to NCHR, and mailed to:
HALAF
c/o NCHR
275 7th Ave., 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001
There is no question that now is the time to act. For far too
long Haitians have been victims of an unjust and illegal
immigration policy. We can do something to change that.
With support from immigrant advocates and ordinary
citizens around the country, we will make our voices heard
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