UN rights expert calls for urgent reform of justice system in Haiti

Demand for justice outpaces the much-needed reform of the justice system in Haiti, the independent United Nations expert on the situation of human rights in the small Caribbean nation has underscored.

“When Haiti’s population sees the reform of the Haitian National Police proceeding at a fast pace, but the justice system is still marked by deprivation and limited resources, they are legitimately entitled to ask for the reasons behind this disparity,” Michel Forst told reporters in the capital, Port-au-Prince, before wrapping up his visit.

Although there were high hopes for the laws designed to reform the judiciary, progress appears to have been halted with their passage, he said. “There is still a long way to go before the country has a penal system that adheres to the rule of law.”

Mr. Forst pointed to progress in reforming the police, who are wearing new uniforms, driving new cars and include many more women in their ranks, but noted that the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, still reports that law enforcement officials are behind violence and corruption.

Overcrowded conditions in prisons constitute cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, he said, welcoming the construction of new detention centres and the influx of funding from international partners.

In a new report on Haiti released yesterday, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote that while there is substantial reason to believe Haiti is moving away from its past of conflict towards a brighter future of peaceful development, there is still a need to strengthen State institutions and constitutional reform, among the current challenges.

“Further efforts to curb corruption and impunity are also critical,” stressed Mr. Ban, adding that an effective response “to violent incidents during the elections of 19 April would help to shore up public confidence in the democratic process.”

His report underscored the critical contribution MINUSTAH and the UN Country Team can make to stability in Haiti, especially as the emergent Haitian police force is still strengthening.