Issues
Each topic includes an overview of the situation in Haiti and the response of the European Union. In addition we present the advocacy activities of the CoEH on this subject. Also, there are documents and reports available from Haitian organizations.
Cassava, Widely Consumed in Haiti and the Caribbean, Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
The news of UNESCO’s inclusion of cassava in the register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was received with great joy in Haiti, amidst a backdrop of predominantly negative news about the country. In Haiti and among its diaspora, Haitians celebrated this decision by enjoying a piece of cassava with manba (peanut butter). This is the most popular way to consume cassava, a bread made from grated manioc from which the toxic juice has been removed.
Appeal from the CoEH to the European Union for Support in Upholding Human Rights in Haiti and Greater Attention to Vulnerable Groups
The Coordination Europe-Haiti (CoEH) raises alarm over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, where human rights are gravely endangered, particularly for women and children. The international security mission remains ineffective, while poverty and mass displacement continue to rise. The CoEH calls on the European Union to support a transition that breaks with old practices, strengthen Haitian institutions, and invest in sustainable solutions focused on the population and youth. It emphasizes the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs while adopting a holistic approach to break the cycle of violence and despair.
A Haitian Woman’s Perspective on Haiti’s Presence in Europe Today
From October 8 to 28, 2024, Colette Lespinasse, the representative of Coordination Europe Haiti (CoEH) in Haïti, visited several European countries to engage with people and organizations interested in Haiti’s future. This included meetings with parliamentarians, representatives from CoEH member organizations and other NGOs, Haitian diaspora groups, and former aid workers who once served in Haiti. These exchanges offered insight into Europe’s stance on Haiti, revealing that while some solidarity groups remain deeply concerned, European political attention is largely absorbed by other global crises. Faced with limited budgets, many European actors now prioritize partnerships offering clear economic or political returns, leaving less focus on Haiti. Yet, amid these shifts, solidarity organizations continue striving to raise awareness, collect funds, and promote sustainability, underscoring the enduring need for advocacy in Europe-Haiti relations.
Will Controlling the “Tie-Wearing Bandits” Solve the Security Crisis in Haiti?
Since the establishment of a new executive in Haiti in May 2024, led by a Presidential Transition Council (CPT) and a new Prime Minister, the country’s security situation remains alarming, despite the arrival of foreign troops under the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMAS). Former President Michel Martelly, recently sanctioned by the United States for his involvement in drug trafficking and his support for armed gangs, now embodies the figure of the “tie-wearing bandit.” While these sanctions mark a symbolic turning point, questions persist about their real impact on the ground, given the past role of the United States in his rise to power. In this context, support from the European Union for the Haitian justice system to combat criminal elites would be a welcome initiative.
Appeal by the Coordination Europe Haiti to the European Union to support a fair and sustainable transition in Haiti
The Coordination Europe Haïti (CoEH) has launched an appeal to the European Union on the occasion of the appointment of Garry Conille as Haiti’s new Prime Minister and his cabinet. The challenges facing the new government are immense. The COEH calls on the European Union to apply its fundamental values and principles of justice, democracy and human rights in its policy towards Haiti. The COEH calls on the EU to allocate significant resources to help Haiti deal with the various crises. And to support the establishment of a Truth and Justice Commission in Haiti, tasked with investigating the workings of the gangs and identifying their supporters, in order to bring justice to the victims and contribute to the implementation of an effective policy to combat the trafficking of illegal arms and munitions in Haiti.
Haiti, a new government finally in place
After Garry Conille was sworn in as Haiti’s new Prime Minister, his cabinet members were installed on June 12 and 13, 2024. The formation of this government that features both fresh faces and promoted officials involved tough negotiations. However, some appointments have sparked protests, due to concerns over the appointees’ qualifications and commitment. Conille has formed an inclusive government with women, young people, and diaspora members, partially fulfilling his promise. Key positions are held by individuals with international experience, highlighting the international community’s influence in Haiti. Despite the cabinet’s flaws, citizens are relieved to see new leadership, hoping for concrete actions to address the country’s challenges. Conille has vowed to combat gangs, restore state authority, and regain control of “lost territories,” earning support from the international community. Conille has also to address urgently the humanitarian crisis, with over 500,000 displaced people. The government must reorganize and rebuild quickly to restore hope without repeating past mistakes.
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Interesting links
Tuesday, November 22, 2022: The 1937 Remembrance Committee, a group of Haitians around the 1937 massacre, is concerned about what is currently happening in the Dominican Republic and has published a note of protest and condemnation of the deportations of Haitian immigrants and their descendants (in French).
Monday November 7, 2022: Virginie Pochon, co-founder of GAFE Haiti and GAFE France, has written an excellent analysis of the current situation in Haiti. Click here for the link to the analysis (in French).
Plate-forme Haiti de Suisse
This organisation has interesting information and newsletters about the latest news from haiti.
Visit their website to read more >
Collectif Haïti de France
CHF is sharing interesting information (only in French) on their website, where you can also subscribe to their newsletter: https://www.collectif-haiti.fr/actualites/collectif/
Monday October 31, 2022: Colette Lespinasse, CoEH representative in Haiti, has been interviewed by the German magazine Welt-sichten. Click here for the link to the article (in German).
Friday October 28, 2022: Els Hortensius, member of the CoPil, has been interviewed by Dutch national radio about the situation in Haïti. Click here for the link to the interview (in Dutch).
Thursday October 6, 2022: On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the respect for human rights in Haiti. Click here for the link to the resolution.
Interesting documents
July 2024: CRAN released a letter about the current situation in Haiti (in Creole and in French)
November 2022: The French Farmer’s Confederation (Confédération Paysanne) sent a letter to President Macron, demanding the French authorities to end all political interference with Haiti (in French).
In October 2022 CRAN released a document about the current crisis in Haiti (in Creole and in French).
CRAN et CE-JILAP sur la constitution (in French and Creole) June 2021
2020-02-10 Consultaton de la Société Civile Haïtienne_28 janvier (only in French)
Declaration for an agrarian policy in Haiti – FULL TEXT (11 October 2017)
Advocacy Documents
Coordination Europe-Haiti – contribution EEAS consultation on relations with Latin America and the Caribbean (15 February 2018)
Coordination Europe-Haiti aperçu contexte actuel en Haïti (12 December 2017)
CoEH Lettre situation droits humains en Haïti (3 July 2017)