NCHR Haiti Office Communiqué

Dear Friends,

Throughout the last several months, NCHR and members of POHDH (Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations) have received numerous death threats.

Earlier this month NCHR published an open letter to the Superior Council of the Haitian National Police, condemning its politicization and severely criticizing its practices. Not afraid to speak the truth, NCHR named names. As a result of speaking out, Pierre Espérance, NCHR staff, Simon St. Hubert, Serge Bordenave and other members of POHDH are once again receiving death threats.

According to NCHR contacts with close connections to the police and governing party, the above-mentioned individuals and staff are on a list for elimination. Sources say the threats began after President Aristide met with members of the National Police, calling for action to be taken against the officers mentioned in NCHR's letter.

NCHR has received such threats in the past. In June of this year, Pierre Espérance defiantly denounced President Aristide's zero tolerance policy. In response to this, René Civil of JPP (Jan l’Pase l’Pase) and Paul Raymond of TKL (Ti Komite Legliz) publicly called for the government to apply zero tolerance on Pierre and other human rights organizations.

In August, Pierre Espérance received several calls on his cell phone. The callers warned that if NCHR did not close its mouth on the Jean Dominique case, Pierre would be eliminated.

On March 1st, 1999, NCHR, POHDH, and organizations within the Platform received threats in the form of tracts that were distributed around Port-au-Prince, again warning NCHR to keep silent. On March 8, 1999 a group of men attempted to carry out these threats. Pierre Espérance was attacked on his way to the NCHR office. His truck was riddled with bullets and Pierre was shot in the shoulder and knee. Even while Pierre was in the hospital, he continued to receive threats. To this day, nothing has been done in terms of investigating this assassination attempt.

Throughout 1999, threats circulated around town. Tracts were distributed that contained the addresses of schools where NCHR and POHDH children attended, vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.

Despite these serious threats, the bottom line is this: NCHR will not be silenced. The truth must be spoken and justice must be sought. Until the rule of law is established and the fundamental rights of all Haitians are respected, NCHR will not surrender the fight. The future of a democratic Haiti depends on this.

    --- NCHR - Haiti Staff