INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN HAITI EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN AT RECURRENCE OF VIOLENCE IN PORT-AU-PRINCE

HR/99/17
5 March 1999




Adama Dieng to Return to Haiti from 11 to 20 March 1999


The United Nations Independent Expert charged with studying the situation of human rights in Haiti, Adama Dieng, has expressed his deep concern at the recurrence of violence in Port-au-Prince. He has strongly condemned the assassination of Senator Jean-Yvon Toussaint and has called on Haitian authorities to do everything in their power to make sure that those responsible for this crime are apprehended and tried with respect to pertinent human rights norms.

Justice has to be carried out to avoid the pervasion of an atmosphere of suspicion and belief that violence is the only way out of the crisis that has shaken Haiti for two years, Mr. Dieng said. He encouraged the parties concerned to meet and pursue the republican dialogue which they had already started.

In view of the gravity of the situation, the Independent Expert has announced his decision to return to Haiti from 11 to 20 March 1999 to prepare a report which will be submitted to the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights which will start in Geneva on 22 March. During his visit, Mr. Dieng expects to meet with President René Préval, judicial authorities, police representatives, leaders of political parties, the International Civil Mission in Haiti, non-governmental organizations working in the domain of human rights, women’s organizations and fund donors. He will also visit the national prison in Port-au-Prince and police stations.