Haiti: UN rights expert to undertake an official mission on the situation of internally displaced persons

GENEVA (26 June 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, will undertake an official mission to Haiti from 28 June to 5 July 2014 to assess the overall situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country. He will visit IDP sites in and around Port-au-Prince.

“During my visit, I will gather first-hand information from all parties, including displaced persons and affected communities themselves,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons.

“I will look at current challenges and opportunities for durable solutions for IDPs in Haiti, in coherence with those for other marginalized groups, and will also discuss the progress made with regard to their protection and assistance,” Mr. Beyani added.

During his seven-day visit, Mr. Beyani will meet with representatives from the Government, UN agencies, and civil society, among others.

ENDS

Chaloka Beyani, professor of international law at the London School of Economics, was appointed Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons by the Human Rights Council in September 2010. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity. Learn more, log on to: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons

The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: http://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-internally-displaced-persons/international-standards

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Haiti: http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/haiti

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Port-au-Prince (during the visit): Sophie Boutaud De La Combe (+ 1 917 367 3202 ext. 2691 / boutauddelacombes@un.org)
In Geneva (before and after the visit): Marie-Eve Friedrich (+41 22 917 9713 / mfriedrich@ohchr.org) or write to idp@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

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