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.
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.
HAITI, Formation of a Transitional Presidential Council: Confusion, Dilatory Manoeuvres and Hope
After much prevarication and delaying tactics, the appointment of the members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) to replace Mr. Ariel Henry, the resigning Prime Minister of Haiti, is finally a reality. The decree formalizing this decision was made public on Tuesday 16 April 2024. The members of the CPT were nominated by several party groupings and civil society organizations, as part of a CARICOM-led mediation process.
Appeal by the Coordination Europe Haiti to the European Union
In response to the debate on Haiti in the European Parliament on February 5, 2024, the Europe-Haiti Coordination (CoEH) once again calls on the European Union to be more attentive to the proposals of Haitian civil society for a lasting solution to the increasingly extreme crisis in Haiti. Haiti needs new leadership, a transitional government composed of credible and progressive figures who are committed to promoting democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law. Haiti needs international aid that supports strategies likely to contribute to a definitive resolution of the Haitian crisis.
THE COORDINATION EUROPE HAITI EXPRESSES ITS SOLIDARITY WITH THE SUFFERING PEOPLE OF HAITI
The Coordination Europe-Haiti expresses its deep concern at the recent events of systematic and repeated violence perpetrated by armed groups in Haiti who are taking control of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and several other regions of the country. CoEH strongly condemns these human rights violations and expresses its total solidarity with the Haitian people at this painful time. CoEH supports all Haitian citizens in their determination to take their destiny into their own hands, to build a State founded on the rule of law, respect for human rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
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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)