Haiti: first visit after earthquake by UN Independent Expert on Human Rights

GENEVA (14 April 2010) – The UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, Mr Michel Forst, will launch his first official mission to the country after the January earthquake. From 16-26 April, Mr. Forst will focus on the human rights situation within the framework of the humanitarian emergency and on the country’s reconstruction process.

During his fifth visit to Haiti, the Independent Expert will visit camps for the displaced, and will meet victims of the earthquake and of its consequences. Mr Forst will focus particularly on the situation of persons with disabilities, children, women and the elderly.

Mr Forst will visit Port-au-Prince, Les Cayes in the South Department, the quake epicenter Léogane, and the border area. He will meet national and local authorities of the Haitian Government, civil society actors and representatives of the United Nations and of the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

On 23 April at 11:00, the Independent Expert will hold a press conference at Logbase.
Mr Michel Forst was appointed as Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti by the Secretary-General, which was approved at the 8th regular session of the Human Rights Council in June 2008.