Haiti: fundamental rights issues need attention, says UN human rights chief

GENEVA (11 January 2011) – On the eve of the first anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, that killed more than 222,000 persons, including 102 UN staff, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, on Tuesday conveyed her solidarity with the people of Haiti, and called for a more concerted effort to improve fundamental human rights for the whole population.

The High Commissioner acknowledged the very significant efforts, despite heavy losses of personnel, by the Haitian Government and the international community to address the tremendous challenges facing the country. She expressed deep concern that, although there have been advances in many areas, the situation in Haiti remains critical, and highlighted some key human rights issues she believes need urgent attention by the authorities.

“Firstly, a comprehensive long-term plan needs to be put in place by the Haitian Government, with the support of the international community, so that the State can provide durable solutions regarding access to basic services, both for those living in camps and those living in slums, in line with its human rights responsibilities,” Pillay said.

“Current access to adequate shelter, water, sanitation, education and health care continues to fall far below acceptable levels,” she said. “Without an overarching guiding plan, the many national and international temporary housing and reconstruction initiatives in place will be inadequately coordinated, and people will continue to be evicted from camps without adequate alternative solutions.”

Secondly, she said, “significant additional efforts need to be made to strengthen the functioning of rule of law institutions, in particular to ensure that tribunals, prisons and the police comply with international human rights standards, that the population has greater access to security and justice, and that there is a reduction in impunity.”

Pillay said she hoped that a solution could soon be found to the ongoing political crisis that would reflect the aspirations of Haitian voters and provide a more conducive environment for reconstruction, and called on the presidential candidates to press their supporters to avoid resorting to violence.

The High Commissioner also urged the authorities to do their utmost to prevent the lynching of individuals accused of spreading cholera, to pursue those who have carried out lynchings to the full extent of the law, and to strengthen the communication campaign informing the population about the disease and its modes of transmission, thus contributing to reducing the mortality rates of this grave epidemic.

Pillay also called on States to fulfil their pledged donations to Haiti. “We all have a role and a responsibility to ensure that, in 2011, the utmost is done to move the country forward, not just in terms of physical reconstruction, but also in terms of ensuring that the inhabitants’ fundamental rights are dramatically improved,” the High Commissioner said.

OHCHR Country Page – Haiti: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/LACRegion/Pages/HTIndex.aspx

Learn more about the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/AboutUs/Pages/HighCommissioner.aspx

For more information or interviews, please contact OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville, phone + 41 22 917 9767 email: rcolville@ohchr.org