WPC% ɵs-BIqJ& dVD>DZV(NKaɯSq0/~}\w_ .dkعu<>#w)y[`ē,?'fLGb֎WpxpO+=a^Dé\plb(뭷kLrQK><_@U_P~8/xpe|', M=RgJzf9t!rMm([^8 !ꕫGL iu-OP!Rpӗo5)cdR)x!P6XԜ2#@zeW{d'±>ʷ5i6(Sě  A:luSTf)fp8mU*@/U*o 1u 72^ @wL4Pds muN 0c 03N D +????????????? 0jj 0D 01999999999999999 0jjjjjjj C  0J                                              B-SSSSl 06 0" 0l 0ppppppppppppppppppppppppp`ppppplH<lXJlLhl p ` `\!l!l("l"d#fd#l#t6$l$`%lv%\\gondor\5_IT_HPLJ4100N0(9 Z6Times New Roman RegularX($\  `&Times New Roman(9 Z(Times New Roman \  `Times3#37=CIQYag1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a)i)ڠW4 ,r2MMIG03|xU(;3$2#  0  .3  0  (O$'dxd(;(3$ !  XX    0  (%$  1  0.Normal6&)4Hyperlink            dd<:footnote tex     2( 4 <DL2 UK #aa   US #dd  2( 4 <DL2  )Hairline dhttp://kendrickmeek.house.gov/press/2005.12.09b.shtml<}}:footnote refS\  `&Times New RomanS#aa#ddS\  `&Times New RomanS.bb,spip1   2( 4 <DL2XXX  2( 4 <DL2  ,bb*spip   2( 4 <DL2XXX  2( 4 <DL2  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4280997.stm<bb:Normal (Web)   2( 4 <DL2XXX  2( 4 <DL2  http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Haiti.pdfhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4367069.stmhttp://www.oplpeople.com/home.html.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4298127.stmhttp://www.haitipolicy.org/content/2845.htmhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3255&l=1http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41764.htmhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3806&l=1http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_917.htmlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4355320.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4253674.stmhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3602&l=1http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4598019.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4599369.stmhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/text/index.cfm?id=3485http://www.amnesty.ie/user/content/view/full/3774/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4492911.stmhttp://newswww.bbc.net.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4452829.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4451921.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4429223.stmhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3371&l=1 !  _ (#33  X8XXX88Xdd8#X8XXX8# X8XXX8CEXX8  #X8XCE`#CEXX8 ` #X8XCE#CEXX8 #X8XCE#CEXX8  #X8XCEJ#CEXX8 h #X8XCE#CEXX8  #X8XCE##X8XXX8A#  X8XXX88gXX8INDEX#X8X8g##X8XXX8d#X8XXX88gXX8ԀOF p #X8X8g #8gXX8DOCUMENTATION#X8X8gf##X8XXX8#8gXX88g8g     #X8X8g##X8XXX8#X8XXX88gXX8FOR#X8X8g##X8XXX8}#8gXX88g8g  T #X8X8g#8gXX8HAITIANASYLUMCASES#X8X8gz##X8XXX8##X8XXX8 N  #X8XXX8#X8XXX8#X8XXX8J#X8XXX8  Preparedbythe#X8XXX8#X8XXX8 H    #X8XXX8#X8XXX8HarvardImmigrationandRefugeeClinic 4  #X8XXX8Q#X8XXX8Ԅ#X8XXX8#X8XXX8and#X8XXX8 #X8XXX8Ԅ#X8XXX8Y #X8XXX8  p  WomensRefugeeProjectofGreaterBostonLegalServices#X8XXX8 #X8XXX8  \  #X8XXX8/ #X8XXX8onbehalfofHaitianasylumseekers #X8XXX8 #X8XXX8 H #X8XXX8 #X8XXX8#X8XXX8E #X8XXX8#X8XXX8 #  X8XXX8#X8XXX8 #X8XXX8ThefollowingisacomprehensiveannotatedIndexofDocumentationforuseinHaitianasylum  applicationstocorroborateHaitiancountryconditions.Itissuggestedthatadvocatesand/or  asylumseekersusethearticleswhichbestsupporttheirindividualclaims,createtheirown l annotatedindex,anddownloadtheappropriatearticles.Pleasebeawarethatthefollowingindex X ofdocumentationismerelyacompilationandisbynomeansacompleteindexofallavailable D  documentation.#X8XXX8 #X8XXX8Aspecialthankstothestudents,volunteers,staffandadvocateswhohave 0! contributedtothecompilationofthisindex.#X8XXX8#X8XXX8Ԁ#X8XXX8z#X8XXX8 "l     #X8XXX8#X8XXX8   `     h   #X8XXX8/#X8XXX8Թ  #X8XXX8#X8XXX8#X8XXX8 # X8XXX8#X8XXX8Q#X8XXX8Packet#2of4(#X8XXX8#X8XXX8articlesfrom#X8XXX8#X8XXX8January1,2005toDecember31,2005#X8XXX89#X8XXX8) |)$!     #X8XXX8#X8XXX8CurrentThrough:January29,2006#X8XXX8#X8XXX8 T+&#   #X8XXX8s#X8XXX8     @,'$ Ї#X8XXX8#X8XXX8"3"  3v2#  1  .3  0    TheGuardian, PeacekeepingChiefinHaitiFoundDeadNearHotelSuite,  (December9,2005).  http://_www.guardian.co.uk_/international/story/0,3604,1682029,00.html#_article_conti t nue_3v݌`(#(# Ќ    <( 4 <DLX<  <( 4 <DLX<0  #X8XXX8V#X8XXX8TheUnitedNationspeacekeepingmissiontoHaitiwasshakenyesterdaybytheapparent 8  suicideoftheBrazilianheadoftheUNforcethere.$ t(#(# 0   (#(#   0  Gen_Bacellar_,58,wasfoundbesidethebalconyofhissuiteattheMontanahotelwith  L  whatwasapparentlyaselfinflictedgunshotwoundtothehead.Heisthe10thUN  8  fatalitysincethemissionwenttoHaitiinMay2004aftertheoustingofPresidentJean $  BertrandAristide. (#(# 0  #X8XXX8=#X8XXX8 (#(#   <( 4 <DLX<0  #X8XXX8#X8XXX8Gen_Bacellar_'swidow,Maria_Ignez_,calledforacompleteinvestigation.Therewasno   immediatetheoryastowhythegeneralmighthavetakenhisownlife.Althoughhehada   highpressurejob,hewasnotunderinvestigationandhadgivennoindicationto p colleaguesofproblems.#X8XXX8#X8XXX8\(#(# 0   (#(# <( 4 <DLX<0  #X8XXX8#X8XXX8Haitiproducesalmostnoweaponsofitsown,yetthecountryisawashwithupto200,000 4 smallarms,mostheldillegally,accordingtoajointreportfrom_Oxfam_,Amnesty  p InternationalandtheInternationalActionNetworkonSmallArms,undertheumbrellaof  \ theControlArmsCampaign.H(#(#   #X8XXX8`#X8XXX8 "3"  <( 4 <DLX<3i2#  2  .3  0    U.S.Congressman_Kendrick_ԀB.MeekPressRelease, CBCFollowsMeekinEffort   toFreeImprisonedHaitianPriest,(December9,2005).   4O  5  http://kendrickmeek.house.gov/press/2005.12.09b.shtml6 O!x   7@! 3i݌(#(# Ќ  <( 4 <DLX<0   (#(# 0  Today,Congressman_Kendrick_ԀB.Meekwasjoinedby40ofhiscolleaguesinthe  CongressionalBlackCaucusinurgingPresidentBushtosecuretheimmediaterelease l andensurethesafetyofFather_Grard_ԀJeanJuste,thefounderoftheHaitianRefugee X  CenterinMiamiandabelovedfigureamongtheSouthFloridaHaitiancommunity.D!(#(# 0   (#(#   <( 4 <DLX<  <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  0  $  [_T]he_ԀCBCmembersnotedthatFatherJeanJustehasbeendeclaredaprisonerof #l! consciencebyAmnestyInternationalandwasimprisonedunderhighlyquestionable $X" circumstances.TheHaitianjudicialsystemhasdrawnincreasedinternationalcriticismin $D # recentmonthswiththeprolongedimprisonmentofsome1,300inHaitisNational %0!$ Penitentiary,whoarebeingheldwithoutchargeortrial,alongwiththeimprisonmentof &"% JeanJusteandformerHaitianPrimeMinister_Yvon_ԀNeptune,whomMeekvisitedin '#& prisoninMayof2005. h $%݌(#'(#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX   "3"  3)2#  3  .3  0    LibraryofCongress,FederalResearchDivision, CountryProfile:Haiti, |*%) (December2005).4ar O  5  J!http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Haiti.pdf6*O.*otel  7arl* 3)L)݌h+&*(#(# Ќ    0  UNpeacekeepingforcesdescendedontheislandtoprotectHaitiancitizensfrom  maraudingarmedgangs,butsofarstabilityhasprovedfleeting.(#(# 0   `     h      (#(# <( 4 <DLX<0  #X8XXX8F#X8XXX8Crime,militantactivity,andeconomicandpoliticalinstabilityareallinternalthreatsin ` Haiti8AmnestyInternationalestimatesthat,inPortauPrince,anaverageof100persons L  permonthweremurderedin2004.Additionally,AmnestyInternationalassertsthat 8  perpetratorsactwithvirtualimpunitybecausethepoliceandcourtsarecorruptand $ t ineffective. `(#(# 0  Inadditiontoisolatedincidentsofviolentcrime,Haitihasalargeorganizedcrime  8  network.Formermembersofthearmedforceshaveformedarmedbrigadesandclaim $  thattheinterimgovernmentowesthemremunerationfortheirroleinoustingPresident   Aristide. (#(#   0   (#(#   0  Politicalinstability#X8XXX8*-#X8XXX8Ԁ#X8XXX81#X8XXX8theconstantthreatofacoup#X8XXX8X1#X8XXX8Ԁ#X8XXX81#X8XXX8haslessenedthechanceofthe   governmentssolvingthenationsproblems.Additionally,alegacyofpoliticalcorruption p andtaintedelectionshasledtoapatternofviolentpoliticalprotest.\(#(# 0  Thegovernmentshumanrightsrecordispoor.Politicalkillings,_kidnapping_,torture,and 4 unlawfulincarcerationarecommonunofficialpractices,especiallyduringperiodsof  p coupsorattemptedcoups.Althoughtheconstitutionmandatesanindependentjudiciary  \ andtherighttoafairtrial,prolongedpretrialdetentionremainsaseriousproblem. H Becausethecourtsystemanditsrecordsarepoorlyorganized,itisimpossibleto 4 determinethepercentageofprisonersbeingheldwithouttrial. (#(#   #X8XXX81#X8XXX8   `     h   "3"  3f62#  4  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict  developmentsinHaiti,(December2005).  http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun  try_=46&_cw_date_=. 3f66݌l(#(# Ќ     ` 0  Presidentialandlegislativeelectionspostponedforthirdtimeto8Januaryduetosecurity, D! logisticsandlikelyshortageofinternationalobserversoverChristmasperiod.Schedule 0"  providesforsecondround15FebruaryandlocalelectionsearlyMarch.UNtroops #l! establishedpermanentpresenceinCiteMilitaireslumtoquellgangviolenceafter4killed $X" inclasheswithpeacekeepers.Policefiredorjailed50officersinefforttocleanupforce, $D # including14formallychangedinconnectionwithkillingsatAugustfootballmatch.%0!$(#(#  "3"  3;2#  5  .3  0    November2005HaitiannewsindextakenfromtheHaitiSupportGroupwebsite, '#& (November2005).www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org/_fea_news_index.html_.3;;݌(#'(#(# Ќ  0  Thefollowingnewsbriefsareculledfrominternational_newsagency_Ԁwires,the_Agence_ |*%) _Haitienne_Ԁde_Presse_Ԁ(_AHP_),HaitiPressNetwork(_HPN_),_Ha5ti_Ԁ_Progrs_,_AlterPresse_,and h+&* othersources.(#(# 0  29November-AU.N.humanrightsofficialcriticizedHaiti'sjusticesystemforjailing  hundredsofpeoplewithoutcharge,includinganactivistpriesthecomparedtoapolitical t prisoner.Louis_Joinet_'scommentsMondaymarkedoneofthestrongestrecent ` condemnationsofHaiti'sinefficientandcorruption-pronejusticesystemfromamember L  oftheinternationalcommunity.8 (#(# 0  TheexactsizeofHaiti'sprisonpopulationisn'tknown,buttheovercrowdedNational  ` PenitentiaryinthecapitalofPort-au-Princeholdsmorethan1,700inmates,onlyafew  L  dozenofwhohavebeencharged. 8 (#(# 0  _Joinet_ԀalsocondemnedthejailingofseveralalliesofoustedPresidentJean-Bertrand   Aristide,includingformerPrimeMinister_Yvon_ԀNeptuneandpopularRomanCatholic   priest,theRev.GerardJean-Juste.Neptunehasspentmorethanayearinjailon   accusationsofmastermindingthekillingsofpoliticalopponents.Jean-Justehasbeen   jailedsinceJulyforallegedinvolvementintheabductionandslayingofawell-known p Haitianjournalist.Bothmendenythecharges._Joinet_ԀsaidthechargesagainstJean-Juste \ seemquiteweakandquestionedthemotivesfordetainingthepriest,whohadbeenseen H bysomeasapotentialpresidentialcontenderinupcomingelections.(AP)4(#(# 0  25November-Haiti'selectoralboardonFridayagainpostponedthecountry'sfirst  \ electionssincePresidentJean-BertrandAristidewasoustedinarebellionalmosttwo H yearsago.Thenine-memberProvisionalElectoralCouncilsetanewdateofJan.8for 4 presidentialandlegislativeelections,followedbyaFeb.15runoff,council   Secretary-General_Rosemond_Ԁ_Pradel_ԀtoldTheAssociatedPress.Itwasthefourthdate   Haitianauthoritieshavesetfortheelections,firstscheduledforNov.13,toreplacethe  interimgovernmentinstalledafterAristide'sousterinFebruary2004.(AP) @\ (#(# 0  23November-JailedHaitianRomanCatholicpriest,Father_Grard_ԀJean-Juste,Tuesday l demandedhisrelease,callinghisdetentionarbitrary.WewantJusticeandpeace! X  Freedomdies.Iamthirstyforfreedom,FatherJean-Justeshoutedfromthewindowof D! hisprisoncellinthe_Pacot_ԀneighborhoodofPort-au-Prince."Prisonishell,"heshouted.0" (#(# 0  FatherJean-JustewasarrestedonJuly21onallegationsthathewasinvolvedinthe $X" _kidnapping_ԀandmurderofjournalistJacques_Roche_ԀonJuly14.TheRomanCatholic $D # priesthasdeniedtheaccusationsandsaidhewasintheUnitedStateswhenthecrimewas %0!$ committed.Hislawyer,BillQuigleysaidJean-Juste,aleadingfigureofoustedpresident &"% Jean-BertrandAristide's_Lavalas_ԀFamilyparty,wasapoliticalprisoner,keptindirect '#& violationofHaitianandinternationallaws.TheLondon-basedhumanrightsgroup, (#' AmnestyInternational,hascalledFatherJean-Justeaprisonerofconscience,and )$( thousandsofsignaturesandlettersfromthroughouttheUnitedStatesand10countries |*%) includingBrazil,Canada,Germany,Ireland,France,SouthAfricaandNetherlandshave h+&* calledforhisrelease.(CANA)  (#(# 0  17November-Intheslumof_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,UNtroopsregainedcontrolofaneighborhood  Thursdayafteranightofclasheswitharmedgangmemberswhoauthoritiessayare t supportersofAristide.Bothsidesexchangedthousandsofbullets,saidLt.Col.Andre ` _Novaes_,theUNcommandingofficerinthezone.Wefoughtfromsunsettilldawn.L (#(# 0  Bouldersandscrapstilllitteredthestreetswhere_Novaes_Ԁsaidhismenhaddrivengangs $ t fromaseriesofbarricades.Thegangsalsodestroyedahousethepeacekeepershadused  ` asanobservationpointuntiltheywereforcedtofleeunderheavyfireWednesdaynight.  L  UNtroopshavetradedgunfirewiththegangmembersinthe_Pele_Ԁneighborhoodof_Cit_  8  _Soleil_Ԁformorethanaweek.$ (#(# 0  TheUNsaysitsforceshavekilledfiveallegedgangmembersandarrestednearly100   people.Gangleaders,whosaytheyareaself-protectionforceforslumdwellersagainst   policeandsoldiers,say15peoplehavebeenkilled-includingunarmedcivilianscaught   incrossfire.(AP)  p(#(# 0  7November-Haitianauthoritieshaveconfirmedthat14policemen,includingtwo H high-rankingofficers,havebeenarrestedanddetainedovertheweekendonchargesthey 4 participatedinthemurderofsoccerfansinaPort-au-Princeslum,morethantwomonths  p ago.Apolicecontingent,aidedbyagroupofciviliansarmedwithmachetes,killedat  \ least10peoplewhowereattendingasoccergameforpeaceduringaraidconductedon H 20Augustintheviolence-tornslumof_Martissant_.TheUSAgencyInternational 4 Development(_USAID_)hadsponsoredthesoccermatch. (#(# 0  OfficialreportsbytheUNmissioninHaitiandthenationalpolicehaveconfirmedthe   involvementofthepoliceofficers.Authoritiessaidabout10personswereeithershotor  hackedtodeathbymachetes,butresidents,whowitnessedtheincident,claimedmore  than20peoplelosttheirlivesduringtheattack.Theysaidtheauthoritieshadtaken  severalbodiesawayimmediatelyafterthekilling.(CANA)l(#(# 0  6November-Around30,000HaitianchildrenareillegallysmuggledintotheDominican D! Republiceveryyeartoworkaschildprostitutesorbeforcedintootherdegrading 0"  occupations,UNandOASofficialssaidSunday.InHaitiitself,childrenarerecruitedas #l! gangmembersoraretortured,_kidnapped_,sexuallyandphysicallyabused,abandonedand $X" tradedlikechattel,theUnitedNationschildren'sfund,UNICEF,andtheOrganizationof $D # AmericanStates'Inter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRights,said. x %0!$(#(# 0  TheUNICEFadviserfortheregion,MariaJesus_Conde_,andTheInter-American '#& Commission'srapporteurforchildren'srights,PauloSergio_Pinheiro_,saidafterafour-day (#' fact-findingtourtotheCaribbeanislandsharedbyHaitiandtheDominicanRepublicthat )$( theywereextremelytroubledbythefateofHaitianchildren.Thedelegationexpressesits |*%) deepconcern,followingdenunciationsithasreceivedaboutthetradeofchildrenand h+&* adolescentsusedforhouseworksandsexualexploitation,_Conde_Ԁand_Pinheiro_Ԁsaidina  jointstatement.Thetwoorganizationsalsodenouncedwhattheysaidwastheprolonged  detentionofchildrenasyoungas10yearsoldwithoutchargebyHaitianauthorities.(#(# 0  UNICEFandtheOASrapporteurnotedthatpovertyandthealmostcompleteabsenceof ` stateauthorityinHaitiweretoblameandcalledfortheUnitedNationsinparticularto L  increaseeffortsatguaranteeingthatevenHaitianslivinginslumscontrolledbyarmed 8  gangshaveaccesstohumanitarianassistance.Otherhumanrightsgroupsestimatethatup $ t to300,000HaitianchildrenareusedasdomesticservantsinHaitiandmanyaresubjectto  ` violenceandsexualabuse.(Reuters)     p    L (#(# 0  OCTOBER$ (#(# 0  24October-AUNpeacekeeperwhowasshotwhileonpatrolnearthevolatile_Cit_   _Soleil_ԀslumdiedMondayatahospitalinneighboringDominicanRepublic,aspokesman   fortheUnitedNationssaid.ThepeacekeeperwasshotintheheadSaturdaywhilehis   patrolwastryingtorescuea_kidnapped_Ԁwoman,saidLt.Col.El_Ouafi_Ԁ_Boulbars_,theUN p militaryspokesmaninHaiti.Thepeacekeeperwasidentifiedas_Muhammed_Ԁ_Khalaf_,32,a \ corporalfromtheJordanianarmy.H(#(# 0  Theshootingoccurredafterthepatrolintervenedasgangmemberstriedtohijackacar,  p _Boulbars_Ԁsaid.Thepeacekeepersweretoldbyoneofthepeopleinthecarthatthesame  \ gangmemberswereholdingawomancaptive.UNtroopsenteredtheslumandmetwith H heavyfirefromrooftopsandalleys,hesaid._Khalaf_Ԁwasstandinginthearmoredvehicle 4 andreturningfirewhenhewasstruckintheheadbyabullet,officialssaid.(AP) (#(# 0  14October-Haiti'shumanrightssituationis"catastrophic"withsummaryexecutions,  mobviolence,tortureandarbitraryarrests,thetopUNhumanrightsofficialinHaitisaid  onFriday._Thierry_Ԁ_Fagart_ԀcalledonHaiti'sUS-backedinterimgovernment,appointed  aftertheousterofPresidentAristideinFebruary2004,toendhumanrightsabuses l immediately._Fagart_,aFrenchlawyerwhoheadsthehumanrightssectionoftheUN X  missioninHaiti,saiddefenselesspeoplewerebeinghackedandburnedtodeathbymobs D! thatsometimesactedwiththeconnivanceofHaitianpolice.0" (#(# 0  _Fagart_Ԁcitedasevidenceofthepoorhumanrightssituationaspateofkillingsinthe $X" _Martissant_ԀareaofPort-au-Princeon20August.AUNinquirybyunder_Fagart_'s $D # supervisionfoundatleast10peoplewerekilledbyHaitianpoliceandcivilianswith %0!$ machetes.OtherkillingsinAristide'sslumstrongholdsalsohavebeenblamedonthe &"% Haitianpolice,anill-trainedcivilianforcethatcrumbledinthefaceofarmedgangsand '#& formersoldierswhotookoverlargeareasofthecountrylastyear.UNofficialssaid (#' physicalabuseofpeopleinpolicecustodyandofinmatesbyprisonguardsarecommon. )$( PoliceChiefMario_Andresol_Ԁsaidthisweekthatanumberofpoliceofficerswere |*%) involvedinkillings,_kidnappings_Ԁandothercriminalactivities.Hesaid15policemenwere h+&* goingtobeprosecutedforsuchcrimes.(Reuters)(#(# 0  12October-TheDominicanRepubliconWednesdayrejectedaccusationsofracial  discriminationthatledaLatinAmericanhumanrightsbodytoordertheCaribbeannation t togivebirthcertificatestoHaitiansborninitsterritory.TheDominicanRepublic,which ` sharestheislandofHispaniolawithHaiti,haslongdeniedcitizenshiptoDominican-born L  Haitiansunlesstheirparentshavelegalresidency.TheInter-AmericanCourtofHuman 8  Rights,basedinCostaRica,lastweekruledthattheDominicanRepublichad $ t discriminatedagainsttwoHaitiangirlsbydenyingthembirthcertificates. `(#(# 0  TheDominicanForeignMinistry,withoutclarifyingwhetheritintendedtoobeythecourt  8  order,saiditcategoricallyrejectedtheaccusationofracialdiscrimination.(Reuters)$ (#(# 0  7October-Apolicemanhasbeen_kidnapped_ԀintheHaitiancapitalamidcontinuing   unrestandpoliticalviolence,authoritiessaidonThursday.Forsecurityreasons,wewill   notdivulgetheidentityorthecircumstancesinwhichhewas_kidnapped_,said_Frantz_   _Lerebours_,spokesmanfortheHaitianpolice.Theofficerhadintendedtoarresttwo p fellowpolicemensuspectedofcorruption,_Lerebours_Ԁsaid.Illegalarmsandvehicleswere \ retrievedfromtheresidenceofoneoftheofficerslinkedtothe_kidnapping_.Threeother H peoplehavebeen_kidnapped_ԀinthecapitalsinceOctober1andsome50wereabductedin 4 September.(AFP) p(#(# 0  4October-OnMonday3October,journalist,_Guyler_ԀC._Delva_,wasbrutallyattackedbya H foreignsecurityguardworkingforthePresidentoftheRepublic,_Boniface_ԀAlexandre.He 4 wasleftwithwoundstohisleftear.Inaseparateincident,Jean_Wilkens_Ԁ_Mron_,of   Radio_Mtropole_,wasroughlypushedaroundbyaHaitiansecurityguardbelongingtothe   NationalPalace.(Le_Nouvelliste_)(#(# 0  SEPTEMBER   h (#(# 0  30September-Haitiisstrugglingtoorganizeits20Novemberelectionsandmayhaveto X  postponetheballotingforasecondtime,anelectionsofficialsaidFriday.(AP)D!(#(# 0  30September-OnemanwaskilledandtwowoundedinaUNoperationagainstHaiti's #l! armedgangs,theUNmissionsaidonFriday.Aleaderofanarmedgang,Peterson_Venor_, $X" 25,wasseriouslywoundedonThursdayandlaterdiedatalocalhospitalin $D # Port-au-Prince,accordingtoareportissuedbytheBraziliancontingentoftheUN %0!$ mission.Anothergangleader,knownasGeneral_Toutou_,waswoundedalongwith &"% anothersuspect,thereportstated.Morethan200Braziliansoldiersinarmoredvehicles '#& tookpartinThursday'soperation,whichincludedsearchesofhousesinthetroubledBel (#' Airdistrict.UNspokesmanColonelEl_Ouafi_Ԁ_Boulbars_Ԁsaidtheactiontargeted18 )$( suspectswhoaremembersofgangsoperatinginBelAir,whichgovernmentauthorities |*%) considerthemostdangerousdistrictinthecity.(AFP)h+&*(#(# Ї0  27September-Between16-25September2005,nineHaitiansandpeopleofHaitian  descenthavebeenfounddeadintheDominicanRepublic,accordingtoinformation  receivedbytheRefugeesandRepatriatedSupportGroup(_GARR_).On23September,two  HaitianswereelectrocutedintheareaofLosMinasafterpersonsunknownhad t booby-trappedtheirhouse.Onthesamedate,itwasalsoannouncedthattwoother ` HaitianswereshotdeadandthenthrownoffabridgeinMao_Valverde_.On22September, L  _Iliana_Ԁ_Magol_ԀPierre,asevenyearoldgirl,wasrapedandtorturedtodeath:theattackers 8  puthereyesoutandtoreofftwolimbs.Hermutilatedbodywasfoundinariceplantation $ t in_Esperanza_ԀintheareaofMao,inthenorthofthecountry.On16September,thebodies  ` offourHaitianswerediscoveredin_Higuey_. L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  InthelocalitiesofLos_Platanitos_,_Cueva_,_Vario_ԀNuevoandothercommunitiescloseto $  _Higuey_,manyHaitianshavehadtoflee,leavingtheirpossessionsbehindthem(money,   televisionsetsandeventheirhouses),toescapetheviolenceofDominicanattackers.   WomenandteenagegirlsofHaitianoriginhavebeenbeatenandrapedduringthese   violentincidents.Thexenophobiahasreachedanunimaginableandquiteincredible   levelthankstothecomplicityoftheDominicangovernment,thepoliceandthejudicial p authorities,accordingtooneactivistcommittedtodefendingtherightsofHaitiansin \ DominicanRepublic.H(#(# 0  AtapressconferenceonSeptember21,2005,inPort-au-Prince,membersofthe  p _RECAH_,anassociationofHaitian_artisania_Ԁtradersattackedin_Higuey_,denouncedthe  \ passivityoftheauthoritiesinrelationtothedailyattacksbyDominicansontheHaitian H community.IftheHaitianStatedoesn'tdosomething,theDominicanswillcontinueto 4 killuswithmacheteblowsandspreadusoutlikechoppedmeat,declaredtrader,   _Lunance_ԀJean-Louis. (#(# 0  SinceMay2005,followingtheincidentsat_Hatillo_ԀPalma,Haitianshavecontinuedtobe  thetargetofallkindsofaggressionintheDominicanRepublic.Inaddition,known  defendersoftherightsofHaitiansmigrantsintheDominicanRepublicaretheobjectof l verbalattacks,andpresscampaigns-evenofdeportationthreats,inparticular,the X  Belgianpriest,Pedro_Ruquoy_.(_GARR_)D!(#(# 0  21September-HaitianmerchantswhosurvivedalethalattackintheDominican #l! Republichavedescribedaplantheysaidwasputtogetherbysomepoliticiansandsome $X" otherDominicansectorswiththeobjectiveofdrivingHaitiansoutoftheDominican $D # Republic.TheHaitianmerchantsagaincondemnedthemurdersofmorethan200oftheir %0!$ compatriotsinananti-HaitianattackonSeptember7intheregionof_Higuey_._Mo5se_ &"% _Trasm_Ԁand_Mathilde_Ԁ_Chry_Ԁexplainedthatthesekillingstookplaceintheaftermathof '#& themurderofayoungDominican.They_criticised_ԀtheattitudeoftheHaitianAmbassador (#' totheDominicanRepublicwhointheirviewclosedhiseyestoalloftheabusesinflicted )$( onHaitiannationalsbyDominicans.(_AHP_)|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  20September-AninvestigativejudgehasformallychargedHaiti'sjailedformerprime  minister,_Yvon_ԀNeptune,withmastermindingthekillingsofpoliticalopponentslastyear,  radioreportssaidonTuesday.Neptune,whoservedunderoustedpresidentJean-Bertrand  Aristide,hasbeenheldformorethanayearonsuspicionofinvolvementinthekillingsof t upto50peoplenearSt.Marc,about60miles(96km)northofPort-au-Prince,on11 ` February,2004.Hehassaidhisarrestwaspoliticallymotivated.(Reuters)L (#(#   AUGUST    $ t 0  26August-HaitirecalleditstopdiplomattotheDominicanRepubliconThursdayafter  L  threeHaitianmigrantswerebeatenandburnedtodeathinanattackthathasaddedto  8  growingtensionsbetweentheuneasyCaribbeanneighbors.Thethreemen,rangingfrom $  19to22yearsold,wereattackedAug.16neartheDominicancapital,SantoDomingo,   wheretheyworked,Dominicanpolicesaid.AccordingtotheDominicanAttorney   General'sOffice,theyhadbeendrinkingwithagroupofDominicanswholaterdemanded   money.Whenturndown,theDominicansattackedtheHaitians,dousedthemwitha   flammableliquidandsetthemablaze.Themendieddayslater.(AP)p(#(# 0  24August-TheUNmissioninHaitihaslaunchedaninquiryintothe"lynching"ofat H least20peoplebyvigilantesarmedwithmachetesandbyHaitianpolicelastweekend, 4 UNofficialssaidonWednesday.DuringasoccergameonSaturdayfundedbytheUS  p AgencyforInternationalDevelopmentandtheinterimHaitiangovernment,hooded  \ policeandindividualswithmachetesattackedpeopletheycalledbandits,accordingto H residentsofthePort-au-Princeslumof_Martissant_.Everybodygatheredtowatchthe 4 game,suddenlythepolicesurroundedtheareaandorderedeveryonetolieontheground,   saidRolandRoy,acommunityleaderin_Martissant_.Thenagroupofpeople,armedwith   machetes,whocamewiththepolice,startedidentifyingpeopleonebyone,sayinghereis  abandit,hereisanotherone.Theycutthemwithmachetesandkilledanumberofthem,  saidRoy.Hesaidupto30peopledied,someshotbypolice.(#(# 0  Anothercommunityleader,Lionel_Mondestin_,saidatleast20peoplewerekilledon X  SaturdayduringthesoccergameandonSundayduringanotherpoliceoperation.Many D! otherresidentsgavesimilaraccounts.Thesoccergamewaspartofatournamentfor 0"  peace,fundedby_USAID_ԀandtheinterimHaitiangovernmentthattookoverafter #l! AristidefledintoexileattheendofFebruary2004,organizerssaid.(Reuters)$X"(#(# 0  18August-Twopolicemenhavebeenkilledinthelastfewdaysbyapersonorpersons %0!$ unknowninthehotspotsofPort-au-Prince,and50orsopeoplehavebeenarrested,the &"% Haitianpoliceannouncedtoday.AccordingtotheNationalHaitianPolice's(_PNH_) '#& spokeswoman,_Gessie_Ԁ_Coicou_,thetwopolicemen,_Desilus_ԀDanielandDona_Branchedor_, (#' were_kidnapped_Ԁbeforebeingkilled.Thebodyofoneofthemwasburnedinthe_Cit_ )$( _Soleil_Ԁdistrict,alargeshantytowninthecapitalcontrolledbyarmedgangs.Accordingto |*%) _Coicou_,the50orsopeoplewhowerearrestedare"suspectedofbeinginvolvedinactsof h+&* violenceinthecapital".(AFP)(#(# 0  18August-AspokesmanfortheUNmissioninHaitihascondemnedwhathecalledthe  lynchingofseveralallegedbanditsbymachete-wieldingresidents,whomwitnessessaid t wereaccompaniedbyHaitianpolice.SpokesmanDamian_Onses_Ԁ_Cardona_ԀsaidtheUN ` missiontostabilizeHaiti,knownas_MINUSTAH_,wasveryconcernedandthatthe L  attackswereabsolutelyunacceptable.8 (#(# 0  Accordingtowitnessesandradioreports,atleast15peoplewerehackedtodeathwith  ` machetesintheslumsofBel-Airand_Solino_Ԁwithinthepasttwoweeks.Police  L  acknowledgedlastweekthatsevenpeoplehaddiedinsuchattacks.Theydeclinedto  8  commentonwitnessreportsthatseveralofthekillingshadoccurredinthepresenceof $  policeofficers.AReuterscameramanfilmedyoungsterswithmachetesastheychopped   thefaceandbodyofanunarmedmanwhohadjustbeenshotbypolice.Policedidnot   detertheattackanddescribedthevictimasabandit. (#(# 0  Lastweek,severalslumresidentscongratulatedthemselvesonlocalradioafterkillinga p presumedbanditcalled_Chabba_,andthankedthepolicefortheirsupport.Aspokeswoman \ fortheHaitianpolice,Jessie_Coicou_,declinedtocomment.ThedirectorfortheHaitian H administrativepolice,_Renan_Ԁ_Etienne_,saidhewasabsentandhadnotyetreceivedany 4 reportonthematter.ResidentsoftheslumsofBel-Air,_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁand_Solino_Ԁhave  p reportedkillings,_kidnappings_Ԁandothercrimescarriedoutbyarmedbandits,andsome  \ viewedtheattacksonallegedbanditsasactsoffrustrationorvengeance.(Reuters)H(#(# 0  12August-Atleast35peoplehavebeenshottodeathinthecapitalinthelastfourdays,   hospitalofficialssaidWednesday.Thebodies,riddledwithbullets,wereprocessedatthe   morgueinPort-au-Prince'sgeneralhospitalbetweenSaturdayandWednesday,according  tohospitalsources.Thestaggeringfigurecameasninesuspectedcriminalswerekilledin  apoliceoperationinthePort-au-PrinceslumofBelAironWednesday,policetoldlocal  radio.l(#(# 0  PolicethisweekhaveconductedraidsinPort-au-Princeneighborhoodsconsidered D! bastionsofsupportersofformerpresidentJeanBertrandAristide,whofledthecountry 0"  amidapopularuprisinglastyear.Inotherunrest,formerchamberofdeputiespresident #l! Kelly_Bastien_Ԁwas_kidnapped_ԀTuesdayinthecapital,relativesof_Bastien_ԀtoldAFP. $X" Kidnappersaredemanding200,000dollarsfromthefamily.(AFP)$D #(#(# 0  12August-AHaitianrebelleaderwhoonceledaparamilitarygroupaccusedofkilling &"% andtorturingthousandsofpeoplehasbeenreleasedfromprison,hislawyersaidFriday. '#& Louis-_Jodel_Ԁ_Chamblain_,aleaderofthearmeduprisingthatoustedPresident (#' Jean-BertrandAristideinFebruary2004,wasreleasedThursdayfromtheNational )$( Penitentiary,attorneyStanleyGastonsaid.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  Aformerarmysergeant,_Chamblain_ԀwasoneoftwoleadersoftheFrontforthe  AdvancementandProgressoftheHaitianPeople(_FRAPH_),aparamilitarygroup  suspectedofkillingandtorturingthousandsofpeopleduringthe1991-1994military  regimethatseizedpowerinthecoupthatfirstoustedAristide.(AP)t(#(# 0  11August-PolicestormedavolatilesluminthecapitalWednesdayinanattackon L  well-armedgangsthatwitnessessaidleftatleastfivepeopledead-includingapregnant 8  womanandateenageboy.Thewitnessessaidthepolice,someofthemmasked,fired $ t indiscriminatelyduringtheoperationintheBel-Airslum.Policethenstoodbyasmenin  ` civilianclothesattackedsuspectedgangmembersloyaltooustedPresidentJean-Bertrand  L  Aristide. 8 (#(# 0  Onewitness,25-year-old_Genel_Ԁ_Gilo_,saidpolicefiredathimandothersastheyhidinside   ahouseinthemassiveslum,killingtheteenageboy.TheybroughttheyouthtoU.N.   peacekeepers,usingadoorasamakeshiftstretcher,buthediedontheway.Webrought   himbackhereforhisfamilytofindhim,_Gilo_Ԁsaidashestoodnearthecorpsehoursafter   theraid.Nearby,Peterson_Larose_,18,weptashedescribedhowthecivilians p accompanyingtheofficersstabbedtodeathhis17-year-oldpregnantgirlfriend.Witnesses \ saidthecivilianswhocamewiththeofficerslynchedthreeotherpeopleaspolice H watched.Videofootagetakenbyanewsagencyappearedtosupporttheiraccount.(AP)4(#(# 0  JULY \(#(# 0  28July-TheUnitedNationssaysitisseekinghighlytrainedtroopstooperateinslum 4 districtsofPort-au-Prince. (#(# 0  TheUNhascarriedoutaseriesofhigh-profileraidson_shantytowns_Ԁontheedgesofthe  capital,Port-au-Prince,to_paralyse_Ԁthearmedgangstheysayarebehindtheviolence.But  Mr_Guehenno_ԀtoldtheSecurityCouncilthatUNforcesinHaitiwerenottrainedforraids  suchastheoneinthecapital's_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁslumearlierthismonth.Witnessessayatleast l ninecivilianswerekilledincrossfire.Ihavetoacknowledgetheforceswehavedonot X  havethekindofvery_specialised_Ԁcapacity...thatmakesabsolutelysurethattherewillbe D! zerociviliancasualtiesinadenselypopulatedenvironment,hesaid.(BBC) @ 0" (#(# 0   (#(# 0  28July-Around170,000smallarmsarebeingusedbyformermilitarypersonneland $X" criminalgangstocommitgravehumanrightsabusesasthecountrypreparesforelections, $D # AmnestyInternationalsaidinanewreportissuedtoday.AmnestyInternationalcalledon %0!$ theinterimgovernmentandtheUNStabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_)to &"% implementwithoutdelayacomprehensivedisarmament,demobilizationandreintegration '#& program.Smallarmsarebeingusedbyillegalarmedgroupsandformermilitaryto (#' kidnap,sexuallyabuseandkillHaitianswithabsoluteimpunity.Withoutdisarmament )$( andeffectivejusticeforthevictims,Haitiwillsinkfurtherintocrisis,saidAmnesty |*%) International.h+&*(#(# Ї0  Thereport"Haiti:Disarmamentdelayed,justicedenied",showshowinseveralpartsof  thecountry,wherestateauthorityremainsfrail,armedgroupsandindividualscontinueto  illegallycontrolterritoryandpopulationandcommitcriminalactswithoutbeing  challengedbynationalauthorities,includingtheNationalPolice,orby_MINUSTAH_ t officials.Attemptstodisarmillegalarmedgroupshavebeeninsufficient,showingthe ` Haitianauthorities'unwillingnesstoimplementaneffectivedisarmamentplan.(Amnesty)L (#(# 0  27July-LocalpoliceandUNpeacekeepersfreedseveralhostagesovertheweekend, $ t officialssaidMonday.Saturday,Haitianpolicegavechaseandshotdeadtwopeoplewho  ` hadjustsnatchedtwohostages.Athirdwould-bekidnapperwasseriouslywounded.The  L  hostageswerefreed,policecaptain_Rnand_Ԁ_Etienne_Ԁsaid. 8 (#(# 0  BraziliansoldiersfromtheUNmissioninHaitiSaturdayfreedafemalehostagethey   foundwhilepatrollingtheBel-AirneighborhoodoftheHaitiancapital,aUNofficialsaid.   UNpeacekeepersassistedbyresidentsoftheareaalsobrokeupa14-membergangand   confiscatedtheirweapons,theofficialsaid.(AFP) (#(# 0  16July-Theseven-memberCouncilofSagesrecommendedSaturdaythatousted \ PresidentJean-BertrandAristide'spoliticalpartybebarredfromupcomingelections, H accusingthepartyofencouragingviolence.TheCouncil,whichpickedtheinterim 4 government,accusedAristide's_Lavalas_ԀFamilyPartyofpromotingviolence,including  p theslayingofawell-knownHaitianjournalistwhosebodywasfoundwithsignsof  \ torture.Politicalgroupswhoidentifythemselveswiththe_Lavalas_ԀFamilyParty,and H particularlywithMr.Jean-BertrandAristide,continuetopromoteandtolerateviolence, 4 thecouncilsaid.Thecouncilurgedtheinterimgovernmenttomaketheboldpolitical   andbeneficialdecisiontodisqualifythe_Lavalas_ԀFamilyPartyfromtheelectoralprocess.   (AP)(#(# 0  16July-Authoritieshaveagainarrestedafierypriestwhosesermonsonsocialjustice  electrify_worshippers_ԀwhoseehimasHaiti'sfuturepresident,supportersandthelawyerof l theReverend_Grard_ԀJean-JustesaidFriday.Theysaidthepriest,asupporterofousted X  PresidentJean-BertrandAristide,wasarrestedFridayatPort-au-Princeairportashe D! returnedhomefromMiami,whereheledaprotestagainsttheinterimgovernmentand 0"  UNpeacekeepingforceinstalledafterAristidefledarebellioninFebruary2004.(AP)#l!(#(# 0  15July-FormersoldierswhohelpedoustPresidentJean-BertrandAristideshouldhave $D # beengivenaroleintheongoingstruggleagainstarmedstreetgangs,Haiti'sinterimprime %0!$ ministersaid._Grard_Ԁ_Latortue_Ԁsaidheregrettedcapitulatingtointernationalpressureon &"% hisgovernmentnottoworkcloselywiththeformersoldiers.Iftheinternational '#& communityhadgivenusalittlemorefreedomtoworkwiththeex-military,sothatthey (#' couldhaveparticipatedinthestruggleagainstthearmedgroups,Iammorethancertain )$( thatwewouldn'tbeintheimpasseweareintoday,_Latortue_Ԁsaid.(_Metropole_ԀandAP)|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  15July-OppositiongroupsandresidentsoftwoPort-au-Princeslumssaydozensof  innocentpeoplewerekilledduringanti-gangraidsbyUNtroopsandHaitianpolicelast  week,butUNandpoliceofficialsdeniedtheaccusations.TheLawyersCommitteefor  IndividualRights,agroupknownasCARLIandregardedasoneofthemostindependent t rightsgroupsoperatinginHaiti,saidUNpeacekeepersandHaitianpolicekilledunarmed ` residents,includingchildrenandelders,intheslumsofBel-Airand_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_, L  strongholdsofsupportersofoustedpresidentJean-BertrandAristide.(Reuters) @ 8 (#(# 0  14July-ThebodyofaHaitianjournalistabductedlastweekendwasfoundonThursday  ` inthelatestofaseriesof_kidnappings_Ԁforransomthathaveshakenthenation.Jacques  L  _Roche_,inhisearly40s,hadbeentorturedandshotseveraltimes,apparentlywitha  8  small-caliberweapon.Hehadbeenburned,hisarmswerebrokenandtiedbehindhis $  backandhisbodywascoveredwithblood. (#(# 0  _Roche_,thefirstjournalistabductedinthe_kidnapping_Ԁwave,wassnatchedatgunpointon   Sunday.Hisbodywasfoundinthecapital,Port-au-Prince.Policesaymorethan450   peoplehavebeen_kidnapped_ԀsinceMarch.Mostkidnapvictimshavebeenreleasedaftera p ransomwaspaid._Roche_Ԁwasthefourthknowntohavedied.\(#(# 0  _Roche_ԀhostedaTVshowoncivilsocietyissuesfortheGroupof184,acoalitionof 4 prominentbusiness,religiousandcivicgroupsthatplayedaprominentroleintheouster  p ofPresidentJean-BertrandAristideinFebruary2004.Thosewhocalledtonegotiatetold  \ usthatJacqueswasamemberofthe184.Whenwetoldthemhewasjustajournalist H doinghisjob,theyinsisted,sayingthatheshouldhaveknownhisaffiliationwiththat 4 groupcouldhaveconsequences,saidAugustin. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  9July-HundredsofslumdwellersfollowedthefuneralprocessionSaturdayofa  powerfulgangleaderreportedlykilledinaUNraid.Mourners,someplayingtrumpets  anddrums,carriedthecasketofEmmanuel"Dread"_Wilm_Ԁthrough_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,aseaside l slumoutsidethecapitalofPort-au-Prince.The_dreadlocked_Ԁ_Wilm_Ԁcommandedagangof X  youngmenwithweaponsrangingfromsawn-offshotgunstoAK-47s.D!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Former_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_ԀMayorErnest_Erilus_Ԁsaid_Wilm_Ԁwaskilledintheraid.Dozensof #l! tearfulHaitianscalledradiostationsuponhearingthenews,saying_Wilm_Ԁhadlookedout $X" forhispoor_neighbours_.(AP)$D #(#(# 0  8July-AbouttenpeoplewereshotdeadthisFridayinthepopulardistrictofBel-Air &"% duringanoperationleadbypolicemendrivingaredNissanPatrol.Mostvictimswere '#& shotinsidetheirhomesbypolicemenwhoshotblindlyandrandomly,accordingto (#' witnessesandreporters.Thebodiesofsixofthevictims,includingthatofamentally )$( disturbedmannamed_Grard_,werestilllyingonthegroundon_Macajoux_ԀStreetatthe |*%) endoftheafternoon.Parentsandrelativesonceagaindenouncedsummaryexecutionsin h+&* populardistricts.The_MINUSTHA_Ԁwasnotseenduringtheinterventionbythe_PNH_  agents.(_AHP_)(#(# 0  6July-UNtroopsraidedthebaseofanillegalarmedgroupinthePort-au-Princeslumof t _Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_ԀonWednesdayandatleastfivepeoplewerekilled,witnessesandUNofficials ` said.Morethan350UNtroopsin_armoured_Ԁcarriersstormedahousewheregangleader L  Emmanuel_Wilm_,knownasDread_Wilm_,wasbelievedtohavetakenrefuge,saidCol. 8  _Eloufi_Ԁ_Boulbars_,amilitaryspokesmanfortheUNpeacekeepingmissioninHaiti.Hesaid $ t atleastfivepeoplewerekilled.Otherwitnessessaidatleast10peoplewereshotdead  ` duringtheraidinwhichseveraldozenHaitianpolicealsotookpart. L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  NoUNpeacekeeperswereinjuredintheearlymorningraid,whichwaspartofaneffort $  toendtherampantviolencethatplaguestheHaitiancapital,_Boulbars_Ԁsaid.SeveralCite   Soleresidentssaid_Wilm_Ԁwasamongthosekilled,andaspokesmanattheUnited   NationsinNewYorkalsosaid_Wilm_Ԁwasdead.ButpoliceandUNofficialsinHaitisaid   theycouldconfirmonlythat_Wilm_Ԁhadbeenseriouslywounded.@*(#(#   0   (#(# 0  _Wilm_,aloyalisttoformerPresidentAristide,ledawell-armedgangthathaswaged \ deadlygunfightswithrivalgangsin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_.TheDreadhasbeenkilled.Theyare H killingus,we,Aristide'schildren,wemaybekilled,butwe'llcontinuetofightfor 4 Aristide'sreturn,saidayoungpartisanoftheoustedleader,whovowedrevenge.  p (Reuters) \(#(# 0  5July-Aboatcarrying36peopletryingtofleeHaitisankofftheisland'scoastoverthe 4 weekend,killingatleast13people,UNofficialssaidMonday. (#(# 0  _Elima_ԀJoseph,director-generalofthemayor'sofficeinCap-_Haitien_,putthenumberof  deathsat19,andsurvivorsat17.said12bodiesalreadyhadbeenrecovered.Hesaidthe  victimswereallfromabout19to25yearsold.(#(# 0  AttemptstoleaveHaitiillegallyhaverisendramaticallysincetheFebruary2004rebellion X  thatoustedpresidentAristide,thecountry'sfirstdemocraticallyelectedleader,nowin D! exile.Sincethen,700peoplehavefledtoJamaicaalone,whichislocatedabout160 0"  kilometers(100miles)westofHaiti.Manyhaverequestedpoliticalasylum.Morethan #l! 2,000Haitianmigrantswererepatriatedlastyear,accordingtoHaiti'sNationalOfficeof $X" Migration.(AP)$D #(#(# 0  1July-Dailykillingsand_kidnappings_,dismallylowvoterregistrationandlogistical &"% snagsarehurtingeffortstoholdfreeelectionssettostartinlessthanfourmonths.The '#& problemsareforcingelectionorganizerstoconsidertoughchoices,includingpushing (#' backmunicipalracessetforOctoberordelayingelectionsintwovolatileslumsloyalto )$( oustedPresidentJean-BertrandAristide.(AP)|*%)(#(#  h+&*   JUNE    0  29June-SixpeoplediedwhenUnitedNationspeacekeepingtroopsraideda  Port-au-PrinceslumonWednesdayinsearchofgunmen,UNofficialssaid.Aspokesman t fortheBrazilianpeacekeepers,Col.Jorge_Smicelato_,saidsixpresumedbanditswere ` killedintheraid,whichwasintendedtoquellviolenceinthetroubledBel-Airslum.No L  UNtroopswerehurt.Awomanwhohadbeen_kidnapped_Ԁwasfreedwhenherabductors 8  fledduringtheactionfromthehousewhereshewasbeingheld,hesaid.$ t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TwootherpeoplewereshotdeadonWednesdayinaseparateincidentnearBel-Air,a  L  _centre_ԀofsupportforoustedpresidentAristide.Witnessessaidtheywerekilledby  8  gunmeninblackuniforms.Upto25peoplewerekilledinpoliceraidsonslumsinthe $  capitalearlierthismonthinagovernmentcrackdownongangs.(Reuters) (#(# 0   (#(# 0  25June-HaitiwilllikelyneedUNpeacekeepersforseveralyearsastheimpoverished   nationstrugglestorebuilditsill-equippedpoliceforceandovercomemountingviolence,   theUNpeacekeepingchiefsaidSaturday.TheUNSecurityCouncillastweekextendeda p year-oldpeacekeepingmission'smandateforanothereightmonths,butthevolatilenation \ willneedtheirpresenceforlonger,saidJean-Marie_Guehenno_,theUN H undersecretary-generalforpeacekeepingoperations.Haitiwillneedpeacekeepers 4 beyondthepresentmandate,there'snoquestionaboutthat,_Guehenno_Ԁsaidinan  p interviewwithTheAssociatedPressaboardaUNflightfromthisnortherncitytothe  \ capitalofPort-au-Prince.Haitiwillneedpeacekeeperssolongasthere'snotacredible, H effectivepoliceandjudiciary._Guehenno_,wrappingupafive-dayvisittoevaluate 4 peacekeepingefforts,saidtroopswouldbeneededwhiletheUNhelpsrevampapolice   forcepronetocorruptionandoutnumberedbyarmedstreetgangs,aprocesshesaid   wouldtakeafewyears....There'snoquickfix,hesaid.Rebuildingthepoliceisnot  goingtohappeninthreemonths,orsixmonthsorevenayear.Theseeffortstaketime.  (AP)(#(# 0  23June-ABrazilianpeacekeeperwasshotandseriouslywoundedinthepoordistrictof X  _Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁyesterdayduringajointpatrolby_MINUSTAH_ԀmilitaryandtheHaitian D! NationalPolice(_HNP_),accordingtothemissionspokesman,LieutenantColonel 0"  _Boulbars_Ԁ_Elouafi_.Thewoundedsoldierunderwentsurgeryinthe_neighbouring_ #l! DominicanRepublicandwasinstablecondition.$X"(#(# 0  Inanotherdistrict,Bel-Air,oneoftheBrazilianunitsof_MINUSTAH_Ԁfreedcustoms $D # employee_Mariette_ԀThomas,whohadbeenheldfortwodays,hesaidyesterday.During %0!$ theBel-Airoperation,theunitalsoseizedweapons,valuableobjectsandalargeamount &"% ofillegaldrugs,_Elouafi_Ԁsaid.(_PeaceMedia_)'#&(#(# 0  23June-HeavygunfireeruptednearthepresidentialpalaceonWednesdayasinterim )$( president_Boniface_ԀAlexandredeliveredaspeechataceremonytoappointfournew |*%) cabinetmembers.Itwasnotclearifthegunmenfireddirectlyonthepalace,butthe h+&* gunshotscreatedpanicoutsidethebuildinginPort-au-Prince.Theceremonycontinued  andtherewasnowordofanycasualties.(#(# 0  Thegunfireunderscoredthepoliticalandcriminalunrestthathasdoggedthenationsince  AristidewasforcedintoexileinFebruary2004,pushedoutbyanarmedrevoltandUS t andFrenchpressuretoquit.Atleast780peoplehavebeenkilledinviolenceinHaiti ` sincelastSeptember,andsinceMarchthecountryhasbeenhitbyhundredsof L  _kidnappings_Ԁforransom.(Reuters)8 (#(# 0  18June-TheUSPeaceCorpshasevacuated16volunteersandsuspendedoperationsin  ` Haitiamidescalatingviolenceandsecurityconcerns.ThewithdrawalofthePeaceCorps  L  teamcomesthreeweeksaftertheUSDepartmentofStateissuedatravelwarningthat  8  orderedallnon-emergencypersonnelandUSEmbassyfamiliestoleaveHaiti $  immediately.TheStateDepartmentwarnsofspontaneousviolentconfrontationsbetween   armedgroupsandanabsenceofaneffectivepoliceforceinmuchofHaiti.(_VoA_) (#(# 0  10June-GunmenopenedfireonUNtroopsatacheckpointin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁ,wounding   twopeacekeepersandtwoHaitianRedCrossworkers,aUNofficialsaidFriday.The p attackoccurredThursdayinthesprawlingseasideslum,thesiteoffrequentclashes \ betweenwell-armedgangsandpeacekeeperspatrollingthearea,UNspokeswoman H Myrna_Domit_Ԁsaid.Fivesoldierswereatacheckpointnearahospitalwhenunknown 4 gunmenbeganshooting,_Domit_Ԁsaid.ABoliviansoldierwasshotintheknee,whilea  p Jordanianmilitaryinterpreterwashitinbothlegs,_Domit_Ԁsaid.TwoHaitianRedCross  \ workerswereslightlyinjured.ThefourarebeingtreatedataUNhospitalinthecapital, H Port-au-Prince.(AP)4(#(# 0  9June-Despiteclearfailuresbythepoliceand8,000UnitedNationspeacekeepersto   makethestreetsheresafefromviolentgangs,USAssistantSecretaryofStateRoger  NoriegaandspecialenvoysfromCanada,FranceandBrazilexpressedconfidenceduring  avisittoHaitionThursdaythatthepoliticaltransitionwasoncourse.(#(# 0  Inr_ecent_Ԁmonths,entireneighborhoodsandmajorroadshavefallenunderthecontrolof X  criminalgangswhohaveunleashedawaveofkillings,_kidnappings_Ԁandrobberies.(_NYT_)D!(#(# 0  8June-TheUnitedStatesisworkingonaplanthatwillallowHaititobuyweaponsas #l! escalatingviolencethreatenselectionssetforthisyeartoreplaceoustedPresident $X" Jean-BertrandAristide,theUSambassadorsaidonWednesday.AmbassadorJamesFoley $D # saidthe4,000-strongHaitianpoliceforcewaswoefullyshortofweaponsandequipment. %0!$ A14-year-oldarmsembargothattheUnitedStatesimposedonHaitiallowsfor &"% exceptions.Lastyear,Washingtondonatedaround2,600handgunsand21 '#& semi-automaticriflesandsubmachinegunstotheHaitianpolice,accordingtoState (#' Departmentmediaguidance.)$((#(# 0  Somehumanrightsgroups,whichhaveaccusedtheHaitianpoliceofsummary h+&* executionsandotherviolenceagainstAristidesupporters,saidsellingthepoliceweapons  mightfuelincreasedrightsviolations.Theyalsofearthegunscouldendupinthehands  ofgangsblamedforcrimeandpoliticalviolencethathaskilledmorethan700people  sinceSeptember.(Reuters) h   t(#(# 0  5June-TheUSembassyinPort-Au-PrincehasdirectlyaskedthegovernmentofUS L  PresidentGeorgeW.BushtoconsidersendingseveralhundredUSMarinestohelpkeep 8  order,TheWashingtonPostreportedSunday.USSecretaryofState,_Condoleezza_ԀRice, $ t suggestedinanewspaperinterviewincreasingthelevelofforeigntroopsinHaiti  ` followingaspateoftroublingattacks--includingthemurderofaFrenchhonorary  L  consul,araidbygunmenonaPort-au-PrincemarketTuesdaythatkilledatleast10,anda  8  ThursdayattackthatwoundedtwoSriLankanpeacekeepers.(AFP)$ (#(# 0  4June-Cinderblockandsheetmetalhouseswerestillinflamesandpoolsofbloodhad   notdriedaroundmiddayonSaturdayhoursafterHaitianpolicehadledamajoroperation   torootoutgangmembersinthepoorneighborhoodofBelAirincoordinationwith   UnitedNationspeacekeepers.ResidentsofBelAir,astrongholdofsupportforformer p PresidentAristide,saidpoliceenteredtheneighborhoodaround9am,shootinginto \ alleyways,knockingdowndoors,anddousinghouseswithgasolinebeforesettingthem H onfire.AtleastsixhouseswerestillburningandsmolderingearlySaturdayafternoon.4(#(# 0  [Thepolice]shootpeople,beatpeople,burnhouses,saidManes_Gustave_,a57-year-old  \ tailor,standingnexttoahugepileofsheetmetalandcharredwood,whichhesaidhad H beenaneighbor'shome.TheythinkeveryoneinBelAirisacriminal._Gustave_Ԁsaidhe 4 wasrunninganerrandafewblocksfromhishousewhenhesawhoodedpoliceofficers   dressedinblack-auniformcommonlyusedbyspecialHaitianpoliceunits-enterthe   neighborhood.Hehid,andwhenhereturnedhome,hefoundhisdoorbrokenoffits  hingesandhisneighbor'shomeinflames.(#(# 0  _Maggy_Ԁ_Dalcy_Ԁsaidshefledthroughabackdoorwhenblack-cladpoliceknockeddownher l frontdoor.There'snojusticeinthiscountry,said_Dalcy_,24,standinginfrontofthe X  remainsofherhouse,atangledheapofsheetmetalandblackenedcinderblockwalls.D!(#(# 0  CommissionerDavidBeer,aCanadianwhoheadsUNpoliceforceinHaiti,said #l! Braziliantroopsprovidedback-upduringtheoperationatperimeterpositionswhiletwo $X" unitsofChineseandJordanianriotpolice-some50intotal-workedmorecloselywith $D # theHaitianpolice.BeersaidtheUNcivilianpolicewasinvestigatingtheburningof %0!$ housesinBelAir.Repeatedphonecallsmadetopolicespokeswoman_Gessy_Ԁ_Coicou_Ԁwere &"% notreturned.(independentreport)'#&(#(# 0  4June-Asmanyas25peoplewerekilledinpoliceraidsFridayandSaturdayinthe )$( slumsofHaiti'scapitalafterthegovernmentsaiditwouldgettougherongangs,morgue |*%) workersandwitnessessaid.ClerksatthemorgueintheGeneralHospitalsaidtheyhad h+&* takenin17bodiesonSaturdayandthreebodiesonFridayaftertheraidsinBel-Airand  otherPort-au-Princeslums,centersofsupportforoustedPresidentJean-Bertrand  Aristide.AReutersjournalistalsosawfiveotherbodiesintwodifferentareasofBel-Air.  (Reuters)t(#(# 0  2June-Haitianpolicesayatleastfivemorebodieshavebeenfoundinamarketplace L  burneddownbygunmen.ThediscoverywasmadeWednesday,adayaftertwoother 8  peoplewerekilledwhenfirerippedthroughthemarketplaceinthecapital.Wednesday's $ t discoveryfollowednewsthataFrenchdiplomathadbeenslainwhiledrivingthrough  ` Port-au-Prince.TheFrenchEmbassyinHaitisaidPaul-Henri_Mourral_,thehonorary  L  FrenchconsultothenortherncityofCap-_Haitien_,wasshotlateTuesdaybygunmenwho  8  thenstolehisvehicle.(_VoA_)$ (#(# 0  2June-For_Colette_Ԁ_Lespinasse_,thecoordinatoroftheHaitianplatformtosupport   refugeesandrepatriatedpeople(_GARR_),therecentforceddeportationsofthousandsof   peoplefromtheDominicanRepublictoHaitiequateto"ethniccleansing."Followingthe   allegedmurderofaDominicanmerchantbyHaitianimmigrantsinthetownof_Hatillo_ p Palmainthenorth-westerndepartmentof_Montecristi_ԀintheDominicanRepublicon9 \ May,groupsarmedwithmachetesandsticksbeganattackingpeoplebelievedtobe H Haitians.Propertieswerelootedandsetonfireinanumberoflocalities.TheDominican 4 mediareportedthatanumberofHaitianswerekilledduringthepogroms.Inthedaysthat  p followed,hundredsofHaitianimmigrantsfledthepersecution,andcrossedtheborder  \ intoHaitiat_Dajabon_-_Ouanaminthe_.Thenovertheweekendof13-15May,the H DominicanArmystartedroundinguppeoplebelievedtobeHaitiansandforcibly 4 deportedthem.Asmanyas4,000peoplehavebeenforcedoutoftheDominicanRepublic   intoHaiti. (#(# 0  _GARR_'s_Lespinasse_ԀsaidthattheDominicanArmyhaddeportedpeoplewhotheyjudged  tobeHaitianonthebasisofthe_colour_Ԁoftheirskin.Asaresult,shesaid,manyblack  Dominicanshadbeendeported,aswellasblackHaitiansandblackHaitian-Dominicans l whohadthelegalrighttoliveintheDominicanRepublic.TheDominican-basedJesuit X  ServiceforRefugeesandMigrants(_SJRM_)confirmedthatamongstthethousands D! deportedtotheHaitianbordertownof_Ouanaminthe_Ԁwere28blackDominican 0"  schoolchildrenwhoweredetainedontheirwaytoschool,and39parentswhose #l! deportationmeantthattheirchildrenhadbeenleftbehindintheDominican $X" Republic.(_Hardbeatnews_)$D #(#(# 0  1June-AtleasttwopeoplewerekilledbygunfireinPort-au-Princeyesterdaywherea &"% marketwasalsoburneddown,witnessessaid.AnAFPphotographersawthebodiesof '#& twopeoplekilledbygunshots,aswellasawoundedmanrushedtoanearbyhospitalina (#' vehicle.Accordingtomarketvendorsseveralpeoplewerekilledandwounded.Therewas )$( alsomuchpropertydamage.Thefirewassetonthefourcornersofthemarket.Ablack |*%) plumeofsmokewasvisiblethroughouttheHaitiancapital.Theviolencewasblamedon h+&* backersofoustedpresidentJean-BertrandAristide.Thegunshotsandfirepromptedlarge  trafficjamsinthecapitalasdriversfleddowntown.(AFP)(#(# 0  MAY `    t(#(# 0  30May-Haiti'spoliticalcrisiswilltoptheagendaatameetingofCaribbeanforeign L  ministersintheBahamas,theforeignministersaidMonday.Theeighthmeetingofthe 8  CaribbeanCouncilforForeignandCommunityRelationsbeginsitsfirstfulldayof $ t officialtalksinFreeport,GrandBahamaonWednesday.(AP)   `(#(#   0  26May-Haitianauthoritiestookformerprimeminister_Yvon_ԀNeptunebeforeajudge  8  yesterdaytohearchargesoforchestratingpoliticalkillings,morethanamonthafterhe $  startedahungerstriketoprotesthisnearlyyear-longincarcerationwithoutcharge. (#(# 0  InterimPrimeMinister_Grard_Ԁ_Latortue_Ԁhasdeniedclaimsfromfamilymembersand   othersthatNeptunewasnearingdeath,sayingtheformerpremierhasbeendrinkingwater   withsugar,saltandvitaminsandwasinstablecondition.Thejudgewasexpectedtoread p Neptunethechargesandevaluatetheevidencetodeterminehowtoproceedwiththe \ case.(AP) H(#(#    `  "3"  3UF2#  6  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup, HaitisElections:TheCaseforaShortDelay,  p (November25,2005).4 RO  5  *http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3806&l=16ZGOnGster  7mi!G3UFF݌ \(#(# Ќ    0  Nearly75percentoftheeligiblevotershavebeenbroughtontovoterrolls,presidential 4 andparliamentarycampaignsareinmotion,andastrongmanagerfinallyhasbeen   appointedtoorchestratetheelection.Unfortunately,aconvergenceofotherfactorshas   offsetthosegains.FewofthoseregisteredvotershavereceivedtheirvoterIDcards,and  violenceandinsecurityaredailyconcernsinmanyareas.Inaddition,lastminute  qualifyingofpresidentialandparliamentarycandidateshasaddedtopublicconfusion,  civiceducationhasbeenminimalandalmostnoonehasbeenhiredyettocountballots. l Thosefailureshaveledtotwopostponementsalready.X (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Duringthelatespringandsummer,anepidemicof_kidnappings_Ԁandkillingshadvirtually 0"  producedastateofsiege,withmanyembassiesorderingdepartureofdependentsand #l! muchoftheHaitianelitedoingthesame.Gangactivityandseriouscrimespilledoutof $X" theslumsintorelativelypeaceful_neighbourhoods_Ԁandthecountryside._Kidnappings_Ԁstill $D # continueatabouttwoaday,streetcrimeishighand_organised_Ԁcrimeanddrugtrafficking %0!$ operatewithlittleinterference.Thereareunconfirmedreportsthatsomecandidatesmay &"% bereceivingmoneyfromdrugtraffickersandsmugglersandthatsomeofthose_benefiting_ '#& fromthecurrentprovisionalsituationwouldbehappytoseetheelectionspostponed (#' indefinitely.)$((#(# 0   (#(# 0  The_HNP_Ԁalreadyhavehadtwochangesoftheirpolicechiefsincetheinternational h+&* intervention.Thecurrenthead,Mario_Andrsol_,iscreditedwithmajorsteps,startingwith  thearrestsofmorethanadozenofficersforthekillingsin_Martissant_Ԁofatleastnine  spectatorsatasoccermatch.However,heishamperedbythelackofinternalcontrol.  _UNPOL_Ԁhasbeenslowtoimplementitsplanstoregisterandvetallpolice,identifywhere t theyareandtheweaponstheypossess._Andrsol_Ԁsayssome25percentoftheforceis ` corrupt.Heisnotevencertainwhoisworkingforhim:morethan2,000paychecksgo L  eachmonthto"ghost"officers._UNPOL_Ԁidentifiedtwodozenofficerswithcriminal 8  backgroundsandpossibleinvolvementin_kidnappings_Ԁandkillings.Theyhavenotbeen $ t suspendedbecausetheyhavesupportinthetransitionalgovernment,andthereisconcern  ` for_Andrsol_'ssafety. L (#(# 0  MuchofPort-au-Prince,particularlydowntownandalongtheseasideroadsinandoutof $  thecity,isoff-limitstoUNandU.S.personnel,especiallyatnight.Theroadsto_Gonaives_   andCapHaitianaswellasthroughthe_Artibonite_,Northwestand_Centre_Ԁdepartmentsare   alsoconsideredverydangerous.ThiswasdemonstratedinlateOctoberwhenindependent   presidentialcandidate_Simeus_ԀtriedtostagearallyinBelAir,a_Lavalas_Ԁstrongholdina   largePort-au-Princeslum.Heandhisconvoywerestonedandforcedtoflee.Recentfire p fightsin_Cit_ԀMilitairebroughtarapidandsignificant_MINUSTAH_Ԁresponsethatleftfour \ assailantskilled,33arrested.  H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Eventhoughmostagreethatfixedsecuritycanbeprovidedonelectionday,thereare  p concernsaboutthecampaignitself.Already,severallocalandparliamentarycandidates  \ reportedhavingbeenattackedwhenvisitinginsecureareas.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thecountry's_polarisation_,morevisibleastheelectionnears,hasbeenexacerbatedbythe   transitionalgovernment,whichcontinuestoholdformer_Lavalas_Ԁofficialsinjail,some   withoutcharge.   h (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ThroughoutHaitianhistory,itsparliamenthasbeenthesceneofdisorder,discordand  disarray,oftenpunctuatedbyviolence.Giveneventsoverthelasttwentyyears,thereis l littlereasonforoptimism.In1997theInter-AmericanDevelopmentBankissuedan X  understatedreportsaying,theHaitianparliamentisinadevelopmentalstateandis D! experiencingsomedifficulties.Pointingtoanalmosttotalabsenceofaworking 0"  committeestructure,technicalassetsorlaw-makingprocesses,itadded,evenphysical #l! deficiencies...arecritical.Littlehaschanged.$X"(#(#  "3"  3>`2#  7  .3  0    UnitedStatesDepartmentofState, TravelWarning,Haiti,(November22,2005).3>`k`݌%0!$(#(# Ќ    4miO  5  Ghttp://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_917.html6jaO~a   7lFa  &"% 0  Inlightofcontinuinginstability,theDepartmentofStatewarnsU.S.citizensagainst (#' traveltoHaitiatthistimeandurgesAmericancitizenstoexercisecautionandsecurity )$( awarenessiftheymusttraveltoorresideinHaiti.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  Americansareremindedofthepotentialforspontaneousdemonstrationsandviolent  confrontationsbetweenarmedgroups.Visitorsandresidentsmustremainvigilantdueto  theabsenceofaneffectivepoliceforceinmuchofHaiti;thepotentialforlooting;the  presenceofintermittentroadblockssetbyarmedgangsorbythepolice;andthe t possibilityofrandomviolentcrime,includingcar-jackingandassault._Kidnapping_Ԁfor ` ransomremainsaparticularthreat,withover25Americancitizensincludingchildren L  _kidnapped_Ԁoverthepastyear.Nationalelectionshavebeenscheduledforlate2005and 8  early2006.Theseelectionsmaybecomeastimulusforfurthersocialtension,which $ t couldincludeviolence. `(#(# Ѐ0  TravelcanbehazardouswithinPort-au-Prince.Someareasareoff-limitstoembassy  8  staff,includingdowntownPort-au-Princeafterdark.U.S.Embassypersonnelareunder $  anembassy-imposedcurfewandmustremainintheirhomesorinU.S.government   facilitiesduringthecurfew.Theembassyhaslimitedtravelbyitsstaffoutsideof   Port-au-PrinceandthereforeitsabilitytoprovideemergencyservicestoU.S.citizens   outsideofPort-au-Princeisconstrained.   p    (#(#  "3"  3Qj2#  8  .3  0    UNNewsService, UNpeacekeepersmountantigangoperationsinHaitiscapital, \ (November15,2005)3Qj~j݌H(#(# Ќ  0  UnitedNationspeacekeepersinHaiticarriedoutseveralsearchandsecurityoperations  p overtheweekendagainstgangmembersinvariousdistrictsofthecapital,Port-au-Prince,  \ anditssurroundings,theUNmissiontherehasreported.H(#(# 0  Onesuspectwaskilledduringtheoperations,thelatestinaseriesthattheUN   StabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_)hasrecentlymountedinsweepsagainst   criminalsandbandits.Twopeoplewerewounded,nineotherswerearrested,weapons  seizedandstolenvehiclesrecovered. (#(# "3"  3n2#  9  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict l developmentsinHaiti,(November2005). X  http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun D! try_=46&_cw_date_=.3nn݌0" (#(# Ќ  0  Presidentialandparliamentaryelectionspostponedforthirdtime.Newdate $X" mid-Decemberdoubtful:over3millionregisteredbutpreparationsinadequate.UN $D # SecurityCouncilcalledforvettingcorruptofficersandhumanrightsviolatorsinHaitian %0!$ police.InterimgovernmentcontroversiallydecidedSupremeCourtcannotoverrule &"% electionofficials. '#&(#(# "3 "  3s2#  10  .3  0    _CNN.com_, Policefreemissionaryskidnappedchildren,(October31,2005).3s/s݌)$((#(# Ќ  0  Thechildrenwerethelatestvictimsofasurgeofkidnappingsthathaveaddedto h+&* insecurityaheadofthefirstelectionssincetheFebruary2004ousterofPresidentJean  BertrandAristide.Policereportedmorethan50kidnappingsinSeptember.(#(#  "3 "  3u2#  11  .3  0    CNN.com, U.N.peacekeeperinHaitikilled,(October24,2005).3uu݌t(#(# Ќ  0  AU.N.peacekeeperwhowasshotwhileonpatrolnearthevolatileCiteSoleilslumof L  HaitiscapitaldiedMondayatahospital.8 (#(#  0  ThepeacekeeperwasshotintheheadSaturdayinthePortauPrinceneighborhoodwhile  ` hispatrolwastryingtorescueakidnappedwoman. L (#(#  0  Some7,600U.N.troopsandpolicearetryingtoreestablishorderintheCaribbeannation $  aheadofelectionstoreplacetheinterimgovernmentimposedaftertheFebruary2004   ousterofPresidentJeanBertrandAristide. (#(#  0  ThedeathbroughttofourthenumberofpeacekeeperskilledinclashessincetheU.N.   missionarrivedinJune2004.p(#(#  "3 "  3(z2#  12  .3  0    BBCNews, UNpressesforHaitiselections,(October18,2005). H 4O  5  ahttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4355320.stm6{O"{  78`{3(zUz݌4(#(# Ќ  0  TheUNSecurityCouncilhascalledforfreeandfairelectionsinHaititotakeplaceas  \ scheduledinDecember.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AninterimgovernmentwasinstalledafterMr.AristidewasforceintoexileandUN   peacekeepersweresenttotheimpoverishedCaribbeancountry. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  However,politicalandcriminalviolenceandinstabilityhavecontinued.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AndpoororganisationbyHaitiselectoralcouncilhasresultedintheelectionsfor l presidentandalso129parliamentaryseatsbeingdelayedtwicealready. X (#(# "3 "  32#  13  .3  0    UNNewsService, Haiti:Annanchairshighlevelpaneltohelppreparefor 0"  elections,development,(September18,2005).3݌#l!(#(# Ќ  0  AsHaitipreparesforelectionsinNovemberandDecemberwithUnitedNationshelp, $D # Secretary-GeneralKofiAnnanhascalledontheworldcommunitytoprovidenecessary %0!$ aidtohelptore-establishorderandspurdevelopmentintheimpoverishedcountry,which &"% hasbeenplaguedbyunrestformanyyears.'#&(#(# 0   (#(#  <( 4 <DLX<  <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  0  S)3%)$ S  CoreGroup[was]establishedbytheSecurityCouncillastyeartohelpthecountry )3%( recoverafteraninsurgencyforcedelectedPresidentJeanBertrandAristidetogointo *&) exileinFebruary2004.̓݌+ '*(#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX     <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  0  SSp  ThegroupincludesMr._Annan_sSpecialRepresentativeJuanGabriel_Valds_,whoheads S theUNStabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_),_MINUSTAH_ԀForceCommander ? andrepresentativesoftheOrganizationofAmericanStates(OAS),theCaribbean + Community(_CARICOM_),otherregionalandsubregionalorganizationsandthe  internationalfinancialinstitutions(_IFIs_).p!݌(#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX   S   <( 4 <DLX<  <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  0  SE  B S  Stressingtheneedfordevelopment,[_Annan_]said:Haitiwillnotachievestability E  withoutaconcertedattackonpovertyanddeprivation.݌1 (#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX       <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  0  S p    _MINUSTAH_Ԁhasmorethan7,660uniformedpersonnelinHaiti,including6,263troops   and1,401civilianpolice,supportedby423internationalcivilianpersonnel,about443   localcivilianstaffand147UNVolunteers.Itsmandaterangesfromensuringasecureand   stableenvironmenttohelpingtoorganizefreeandfairelectionstopromotinghuman   rights. ݌s (#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX   S "3 "  3_2#  14  .3  0    _Hoy_ԀDigital, _Annan_Ԁ_advierte_Ԁ_posible_Ԁ_rebrote_Ԁ_violencia_Ԁ_Hait_(12deOctubre,2005).3_݌ (#(# Ќ  0  _Hoy_ԀDigital, _Annan_ԀwarnsofpossibleresurgenceofviolenceinHaiti,(October,12  2005).v(#(#    ` 0  El_secretario_Ԁgeneraldela_ONU_,_Kofi_Ԁ_Annan_,_advirti;_Ԁ_ayer_Ԁ_que_Ԁ_Hait_Ԁse_encuentra_Ԁen_una_ N _coyuntura_Ԁ_crtica_y_que_Ԁ_puede_Ԁ_rebrotar_Ԁla_violencia_,_pese_Ԁa_que_Ԁla_situaci;n_Ԁdel_pas_Ԁha : _mejorado_Ԁenlos_ltimos_Ԁ_meses_.&v(#(# 0  _Advierte_,los_avances_Ԁ_obtenidos_Ԁ_siguen_Ԁ_siendo_Ԁ_frgiles_Ԁyes_necesario_Ԁresolver_algunos_ N _problemas_Ԁ_organizativos_,_as_Ԁ_como_Ԁla_posibilidad_Ԁde_que_Ԁ_aumente_Ԁla_violencia_Ԁduranteel : _perodo_Ԁdela_campaa_Ԁyla_persistente_Ԁ_impunidad_Ԁy_falta_Ԁde_respeto_Ԁ_por_Ԁlos_derechos_ & _humanos_. (#(# 0  TheUNSecretaryGeneral_Kofi_Ԁ_Annan_ԀwarnedyesterdaythatHaitiisincritical  situationandthatviolencecanintensify,althoughthesituationofthecountryhas  improvedinthelastfewmonths.r (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Hewarns,theadvancesthathavebeenobtainedcontinuetobeweakanditisnecessary J" toresolvesomeorganizationalproblems,aswellasthepossibilitythatviolencewill 6# increaseduringtheelectoralcampaignsandthepersistentimpunityandlackofrespect "$r  forhumanrights.   %^ !(#(# "3"  332#  15  .3  0    _CNN.com_, Haititoprosecute15policeofficers,(October11,2005).33`݌&6"#(#(# Ќ  0  Fifteenpoliceofficerswillbeprosecutedinanattackthatkilledatleastsixcivilians ($% duringasoccermatchinHaitiscapital.)$&(#(#  0  TheofficersweredetainedfollowinganearlytwomonthinvestigationintotheAugust20 +&( attackin_Martissant_,apoor_neighborhoor_ԀoftinroofshacksinsouthwesternPortau  Prince.(#(# 0  Witnessesclaimedpolicewereseekinggangmembersalignedwith_outsted_ԀPresident t JeanBertrandAristidewhenthey_sormed_Ԁasoccerstadiumduringamatchandordered ` thecrowdof5,000tolieontheground.Otherpoliceandcivilianssurroundedthe L  stadium,shootingorhackingpeoplewithmachetesastheytriedtoflee,thewitnesssaid.8 (#(#  0  _Andresol_Ԁsaidaninvestigationfoundthatsixcivilianswerekilled,althoughothershave  ` putthedeath_tol_Ԁat10. L (#(#  "3"  3z2#  16  .3  0    UNNewsService, NumberofvotersregisteredinHaitipasses3million,UNsays, $  (October7,2005)3z݌ (#(# Ќ  0  ViolenceinandaroundHaitiscapital,especiallyinCite_Soleil_ԀandBelAir,hasbeen   oneofthemajorproblemsfacing_MINUSTAH_ԀsincetheCouncilsetituplastyeartohelp   toreestablishorderafteraninsurgencyforcedelectedPresidentJeanBertrandAristideto p gointoexileearlierintheyear. \(#(# "3"  32#  17  .3  0    _Hoy_ԀDigital, _Hait_:un_polica_Ԁ_secuestrado_Ԁydos_sospechosos_Ԁ_muertos_(6de 4 _Octubre_,2005)._Hoy_ԀDigital, Haiti:apoliceofficerkidnapedandtwosuspects  p dead,(October6,2005).3ا݌ \(#(# Ќ  0  Un_polica_Ԁ_fue_Ԁ_secuestrado_ԀenPuerto_Prncipe_Ԁ_por_Ԁ_desconocidos_Ԁydos_presuntos_ 4 _criminales_Ԁ_resultaron_Ԁ_muertos_Ԁenun_enfrentamiento_Ԁcon_una_Ԁ_patrulla_Ԁ_policial_,_anunci;_Ԁ_este_   _jueves_Ԁ_Frantz_Ԁ_Lerebours_,_nuevo_Ԁ_portavoz_Ԁdela_polica_Ԁ_haitiana_. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  _Otras_Ԁ_tres_Ԁpersonas_fueron_Ԁ_secuestradas_Ԁenlacapital_desde_Ԁ_principios_Ԁde_octubre_,_seal;_Ԁla  _polica_.Duranteel_mes_Ԁanteriorse_produjeron_Ԁ_unos_Ԁ50_secuestros_Ԁenlacapital .(#(# 0  ApoliceofficerwaskidnapedbystrangersinPortauPrinceandtwocriminalsuspects \  turnedupdeadenaconfrontationwithapolicepatrol,thenewspokespersonforthe H! HaitianPolice,_Frantz_Ԁ_Lerebours_,announcedthisThursday.4" (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thepoliceindicatedthatthreeotherpeoplewerekidnapedinthecapitalsincethe  $\" beginningofOctober.Inthepastmonththerehavebeenabout50_kidnapings_Ԁinthe $H # capital. %4!$(#(#   "3"  3 2#  18  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict ' #& developmentsinHaiti,(October2005). (#' http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?action=cw_search&l=1&t=1&cw_coun )$( try=46&cw_date=3 9݌*%)(#(# Ќ   l+&* 0  Preparationsforelectionsovershadowedbykidnappingsandviolence.Over30  presidentialcandidatesregisteredbutprovisionalelectoralcouncilwarnedelectionsmay  bedelayedwithoutinternationalhelp.OustedPresidentAristidesLavalasparty,with  widespreadsupportinPort-au-Princeslums,barredfromregisteringjailedpriestGerard t Jean-Juste.JailedformerPMYvonNeptuneformallycharged20Septemberwithsuspect ` evidenceofmastermindingkillingsofpoliticalopponents2004.UN-basedCoreGroupof L  foreignministersandMINUSTAHexpressedconcernonelectoralpreparations,lackof 8  policereformanddisarmamentofillegalgroups,andprosecutionofgovernment $ t opponents.  `(#(# "3"  32#  19  .3  0    BBCNews, Q&A:Haitissecuritydilemma,(September16,2005).3͹݌ 8 (#(# Ќ  0  DespitethepresenceofthousandsofUNtroops,rebelsandcriminalsstillcontrolatleast   oneofthecapital'smajorslums,wheremurders,kidnappingsandrapesare   commonplace. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Haitihasbeenplaguedbypersistentinstabilitysince2004,whenitsfirst p democratically-electedpresident,Jean-BertrandAristide,wasoverthrownbyanarmed \ rebellion.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Theinterimgovernmentinstalledafterhisdeparturehasstruggledtoimposeorderand  p theUNtroopsdeployedtoimprovesecurityhaveyettoregainfullcontrolofthecapital,  \ Port-au-Prince.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Ex-soldiershavebecomethedefactoauthoritiesinmanyareasofthecountryside,while   inthecities,politicalviolenceiscompoundedbyorganisedcrime,fuelledbythedrugs   trade.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Violencehasclaimedalmost800livessinceSeptember2004andsomepartsofthe  capitalremainno-goareasfortheUNtroops.l(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Journalistsfaceconstantdanger.Manyhavebeenthreatened,attacked,kidnappedor D! murdered.0" (#(# 0   (#(# 0  AccordingtoAmnestyInternational,politicallymotivatedarbitrarydetentions, $X" extrajudicialexecutions,deliberateandarbitrarykillingsofcivilians,rape,deaththreats $D # andintimidationareroutineandareperpetratedwithimpunity %0!$(#(# "3"  3T2#  20  .3  0    BBCNews, Haitivoteattracts30candidates,(September16,2005).3T݌'#&(#(# Ќ    4avO  5  ~{http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4253674.stm6tO#   7#8 (#'   Preparationsfortheelectionshavebeenovershadowedbyviolence.  |*%)  h+&* "3"  3 2#  21  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict  developmentsinHaiti,(September2005).  http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun  try_=46&_cw_date_=3 M݌t(#(# Ќ  0  Atleast15allegedcriminalskilledbymachete-wieldingresidentsinBel-Airand_Solino_ L  slums;policeallegedlydidnothingtoprevent.Inseparateincident,policeandindividuals 8  withmachetesattackedso-called"bandits"during_USAID_-fundedsoccermatch28 $ t August,killingatleast20.U.S.ambassador_criticised_ԀHaitisjusticesystemfollowing  ` releaseofformerdeathsquadleaderandcontinueddetentionofformerPMNeptune;new  L  justiceministercalledforreleaseortrialwithoutdelayofhundredsofprisonersheld  8  withoutcharge.Localgovernmentelectionsduetobeheld9Octoberpostponed; $  legislativeandpresidentialelectionsstillslatedforNovember,despiteongoinginsecurity   andresultingregistrationproblems:2millionof4.2millioneligiblevotersreported   registered,butnonereceived_digitised_ԀIDcard.Inpositivestep,moderatefactionof   Aristides_Lavalas_Ԁpartyregisteredforelectionandexpectedtoparticipate.First core   groupmeetingofdonors,regional_organisations_,and_IFIs_Ԁheld;noclearplanto p overcomeelectoralcouncilstallingtactics,securityobstaclesorpolitical_polarisation_. \(#(# "3"  3S2#  22  .3  0    _Newsday.com_, PlayforPeacesoccermatchturnsintomassacrebyReed 4 Lindsay,SpecialCorrespondent,(28August2005#X8XXX85#X8XXX8).3S݌ p(#(# Ќ  0  [_T]he_Ԁofficersorderedthe6,000spectatorstothegroundofthewalled,dirtfield. H Gunshotsrangoutandpeoplebegantorunfortheonlyexit.Policebeganfiring 4 wantonly,witnessessaid,andoutside,civiliansarmedwithmachetesandmorepolice   officersattackedthosetryingtofleethechaos. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Somepeoplewereshotandkilledbypolice,accordingtowitnessesandfamilymembers;  otherswerehackedtopiecesbythemachete-wieldingcivilians.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ThePlayforPeacesoccermatch,financedandsponsoredby_USAID_,anindependent X  agencythatprovideseconomic,developmentandhumanitarianassistanceinsupportof D! U.S.foreignpolicygoals,wastohelpplanfordisarmamentbysteeringyoungpeople 0"  awayfromgangviolence.Instead,itbecameasceneofmayheminacountryrifewith #l! humanrightsandcriminalabuses. $X"(#(# 0  Thekillingscamelessthanamonthaftertwoother,similarlygrislymacheteattacksthat %0!$ alsoappearedtotakeplacewithpolicecomplicity.Theincidents,allinpoor &"% neighborhoodsofPort-au-Princeconsideredbastionsofsupportforexiledformer '#& PresidentJean-BertrandAristide,havefueledfearsinthisnationwithahistoryofsuch (#' violenceofstate-sponsoredterrorbeforenationalelectionsinNovember.)$((#(# 0   (#(# 0  AnneSosin,ahumanrightsobserverattheInstituteforJusticeandDemocracyinHaiti, h+&* saidshehadconfirmedthedeathsofatleasteightpeopleandsaidallthedeathsmaynot  havebeenreportedyet.(#(# 0  Thekillingshavedrawnincreasedscrutinyofanearly15-month-oldUnitedNations t peacekeepingmissionthatcriticssayhasdonelittletocurbhumanrightsabusesor ` provideincentivesforgangstodisarm.L (#(# 0  Thesekillingssetadangerousprecedent,_Sosin_Ԁsaid.Howcanyouexplainpolice $ t accompaniedbyindividualsarmedwithmachetesmassacringspectatorsatasoccer  ` matchwithUNtroopsstandingbyliterallyacrossthestreet? L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  LeadersofAristide's_Lavalas_Ԁpartyhavebeenimprisonedwithoutbeingformallycharged $  orbroughtbeforeajudge,andthepoliceforcehascarriedoutbrutalcrackdownsin   Port-au-Prince'sslumareas. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Meanwhile,armedAristidesupporters,inadditiontoarmedgroupsofotherpolitical   affiliationsandnon-politicalcriminalgangs,haveclashedwithpoliceandUN p peacekeepersandcarriedoutawaveof_kidnappings_Ԁandothercrimesinthecapital.\(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thepoor,asisoftenthecaseinthehemisphere'smostdestitutenation,hassufferedthe 4 bruntoftheviolence.  p(#(#    ` "3"  32#  23  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup, CanHaitiHoldElectionsin2005?,(August3,2005).3݌H(#(# Ќ  4O  5    http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3602&l=16 O-old  7on\[ 4 0  Criminalbutalsopoliticalkidnapingsbyurbanarmedgangshavereachedhistorichighs.   Therehavebeenalmost800killings,includingthevictimsofpolitical,druginspired,and  turfrelatedbattles,sinceSeptember2004.Citizensdonotfeelsafeinmost  neighborhoodsofPortauPrince.(#(# 0  TheNationalPolicehavereacted[totheviolence]intheirtimehonoredtraditionof X  targetingallwholiveinpoorneighborhoodsaspotentialgangmembersorfellow D! travelers,openingfireincrowdedareaswithlittleregardforciviliancasualtiesand 0"  executingthosetheysuspectofinvolvementinviolence.#l!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Nearlyamillionresidents[are]heldhostagebytheviolence.$D #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Inthecapital,Aristidealignedgangshavebeenexpandingtheirterritoryoverthelasttwo &"% monthsandnowessentiallycontrolRouteNational1,whichrunsdirectlyinfrontofthe '#& CitSoleilshantytown.(#'(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ThosegangshadalsobeenmakingincreasingforaysintothesurroundingPeleandCit |*%) Militaireareasbutafterbeingbloodiedina6JulyMINUSTAHoperation,theyhave h+&* largelyconfinedthemselvesto_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_. (#(# "3"  32#  24  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict  developmentsinHaiti,(August2005). t http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun ` try_=46&_cw_date_=3݌L (#(# Ќ     ` 0  Insecuritycontinued,_jeopardising_Ԁplannedautumnelection:over450_kidnappings_Ԁsince $ t March2005,includingHaitianjournalistJacques_Roche_Ԁ-founddead14July.Over1,000  ` protestedfollowingfuneral,demandingtougherresponsetoinsecurity:prominent  L  Aristidesupporterarrestedinconnectionwith_Roche_sdeath.UNappealedfor  8  _specialised_Ԁtroopsto_minimise_ԀciviliancasualtiesafterreporteddeathsduringUN $  offensiveagainstpro-Aristidegangsin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁslumthatkilled5gangmembers.UN   stormedBelAirslum1July,killing6suspectedgangmembersandfreeing_kidnapped_   RedCrossworkerwhosecolleaguefounddeaddaybefore.Over15%eligiblevoters   registeredforelection.  (#(# "3"  3,2#  25  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti:Disarmamentdelayed,justicedenied,(July28, \ 2005). H http://_web.amnesty.org_/library/Index/ENGAMR360052005?open&of=ENG-2M53,Y݌4(#(# Ќ     ` 0  HaitiansremainmiredinahumanrightscrisisdespitethepresenceofaUNpeacekeeping  \ force,theStabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_).Infact,littletangibleprogress H hasbeenmadetoprotecthumanrightssincetheinterimgovernmenttookofficeinearly 4 March2004andintheyearsince_MINUSTAH_Ԁarrivedinthecountry.Violentcrime,   confrontationsbetweenarmedgroupsandgangs,andunlawfuluseofforcebypolice   continuetoclaimthelivesofciviliansonadailybasis.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Haitishumanrightsproblemscouldworsenintherun-uptoelectionsscheduledforthe  endof2005.Politicallymotivatedarbitrarydetentions,ill-treatment,extrajudicial l executions,deliberateandarbitrarykillingsofcivilians,rape,deaththreatsand X  intimidationareroutineandareperpetratedwithimpunity.Theabusesaretakingplace D! againstabackgroundofincreasedinsecurityandendemiccriminalviolence.Thealleged 0"  perpetratorsincludearmedgangswithorwithoutpoliticaltiestoformerPresident #l! Jean-BertrandAristide,roguepoliceofficers,formerrebelsanddemobilizedmembersof $X" theformerHaitianArmedForces(Forces_Armes_Ԁ_dHa5ti_,_FADH_),andorganizedcrime.$D #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Muchofthecurrentcrisisstemsfromthearmedrebellionthatforcedoutformer &"% PresidentAristideinFebruary2004andfromthedisputewithinHaitioverthelegitimacy '#& oftheinterimgovernmentheadedby_Grard_Ԁ_Latortue_.Since30September2004, (#' hundredsofpeoplehavereportedlybeenkilledinanupsurgeofpoliticalviolencethat )$( followedaseriesofdemonstrationsorganizedbyJean-BertrandAristides_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_ |*%) Partytocommemoratethe13thanniversaryofthemilitarycoupthatdeposedPresident h+&* Aristidein1991.Manyofthekillingsarebelievedtohavebeencarriedoutbyarmed  gangsallegedlysupportingJean-BertrandAristideandbyHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_)  officers.Thesegangsaresaidtoberesponsiblefornumerouskillings,includingof  policemen.t(#(# 0  Haiti'srecurringpoliticalcrisesarerootedinlong-termpatternsofhumanrightsabuses L  committedwithimpunity.Thecurrentcrisisisnoexception.8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thepoliticalviolenceiscompoundedbyagravehumanitariancrisis.Haitiisthepoorest  ` countryintheAmericasandranks153intheworldintermsoftheHumanDevelopment  L  Index.Lifeexpectancyatbirth,formenandwomenalike,islessthan50years,while  8  infantmortalitywas79per1000livebirthsin2002.Illiteracyiswidespreadandnearly $  two-thirdsofthepopulationliveunderthenationalpovertyline.Ratesofilliteracyand   povertyarehighestinthecountrysidewherearoundtwo-thirdsofthe8million   populationlives.Haitihasalsothehighestprevalence(5.6percent)ofHIV-AIDSoutside   thesub-Saharanregion.Accessto_retrovirus_Ԁmedicineremainsscarceasthenational   healthsystemisseverelyunder-funded.p(#(# 0  Theproliferationofarmshasexacerbatedthepoliticalcrisis.Inviewofthis,disarmament H hasbecomethemainandmostpressingissueasHaitiheadstowardselectionsinOctober 4 andNovember2005thatshouldmarkareturntodemocraticrule. p(#(# 0  BackgroundH(#(# 0  Inearly2004populardiscontentandprotestagainstJean-BertrandAristidesgovernment   wasrapidlygainingmomentum.Repressionofgovernmentopponentswasharsh,carried   outbypoliceandarmedgangsknownas_chimres_,reportedlyinthepayofthe  administration.On5February,conflictbrokeoutinthecityof_Gona5ves_Ԁandthe  insurgencyquicklyspreadtootherregions.Insurgentsweremainlyofficialsoftheformer  HaitianArmedForces,disbandedin1995,membersofthedisbandedparamilitary l organizationRevolutionaryFrontfortheProgressandAdvancementofHaiti(Front X  _Rvolutionnaire_Ԁpour_lAvancement_Ԁetle_Progrs_Ԁ_dHa5ti_,_FRAPH_)andacriminalgang D! basedin_Gona5ves_ԀthatcalleditselftheCannibalArmy(_Arme_Ԁ_cannibale_).Thearmed 0"  rebelsoperatedundertheleadershipofGuyPhilippe,formerNationalPolice #l! Commissioner,andLouis-_Jodel_Ԁ_Chamblain_,formersecondincommandofthe_FRAPH_ $X" andaconvictedperpetratorofhumanrightsabuses.$D #(#(# 0  On29February,PresidentAristideleftthecountryindisputedcircumstanceswhilethe &"% rebelswerethreateningtomarchintoPort-au-Prince.'#&(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Politicalviolenceincreaseddramaticallyinthecapitalafter30Septemberwhentherewas )$( amassdemonstrationby_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_ԀPartysupporters.Afterthat,numerousabuses, |*%) includingthedecapitationofthreepolicemen,wereallegedlycommittedbymembersof h+&* armedgangssupposedlylinkedtothe_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_ԀParty.Membersofthe_HNP_Ԁalso  allegedlycommittedseveralabuses,includingextrajudicialexecutions.InOctober,UN  CivilianPolice(_CIVPOL_)and_HNP_Ԁagentsbeganjointoperationsinpoor  _neighbourhoods_Ԁofthecapitalinanattempttocurbendemicviolencewhileinseveral t regionsofthecountry,demobilizedsoldiersandformerrebelsactedasthedefacto ` authoritiesposingaseriousthreattohumanrights.L (#(# 0  Theimperativefordisarmament$ t(#(# 0  ThecontrolofarmshasbeenamajorconcernsinceJean-BertrandAristidewas  L  reinstalledasPresidentin1994afterthemilitarythatdeposedhimthreeyearsearlierwas  8  removedfrompowerbyaUS-ledmilitaryinvasion.Ahugequantityofarmsandsmall $  weaponsiscirculatinginHaitiinthehandsofformerrebelsandformermilitary,criminal   gangswithandwithoutpoliticalaffiliation,securityguardsandcivilians.AllHaitians   havetheconstitutionalrighttopossessfirearmswithanauthorizationfrompolice   authoritiesbutthecirculationandpossessionofarms,largelyonanillegalbasis,has   becomewidespreadovertheyears.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ResearchbytheGeneva-basedSmallArmsSurvey(SAS)in2004andearly2005 H indicatesthatinHaititherearenearly170,000smallarmsinthehandsofindividuals, 4 diversearmedgroupsandcriminalgangs,securityagenciesandlawenforcement  p officials.AccordingtoSAS,thereisnocomplete,accurateorupdatedregistryof  \ firearms;anationalfirearmsregistrydidexistbutwasdiscontinued,althoughsome H permitswereissuedinearly2005.Officialfiguresincludedinthereportindicatethatas 4 of2001,thenationalpolicehadregistered20,300legalweaponsownedbycivilians. (#(# 0  Thepublicdisplayofweaponsbyformerrebelsandformermilitaryhasbeenarecurrent  phenomenonandhasbeentoleratedbytheauthoritiesand_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficials.Even  thoughthegovernmentwasfrequentlythreatenedwithacoupbytheformermilitary,no  persuasiveactiontodisarmthemorremovethemfrompublicbuildingstheywere l occupying(includingpolicestations)wastakenuntilDecember2004.X (#(# 0   (#(# 0  SincetheinterimgovernmenttookofficeinearlyMarch2004,noseriouseffortshave 0"  beenmadetoaddressthedisarmamentissuedespiteasharpriseinviolenceanddeathsby #l! firearms.Itbecameclearthatthegovernmentlackedthepoliticalwilltoaddressthe $X" matterseriouslyeventhoughithasthesupportof_MINUSTAH_Ԁinelaboratingand $D # implementinga_DDR_Ԁ_programme_.TheUNSecretary-GeneralandtheUNSecurity %0!$ CouncilrepeatedlycalledontheHaitianauthoritiestoaddresstheissueofdisarmament &"% withutmosturgency,buttheimplementationofacomprehensive_DDR_Ԁ_programme_Ԁisstill '#& awaited.(#'(#(# 0  [_I]t_ԀappearedthattheHaitianauthoritiesweretoleratingsomeillegalarmedgroups,such |*%) astheformerrebelsandformermilitaryplustheiracolytes,whilesimultaneously h+&* pursuingarmedgangsallegedlysupportingJean-BertrandAristide.AmnestyInternational  delegatesobservedinOctober/November2004thatformer_FADH_Ԁmembersdisplaying  theirweaponsinpublic,inthecapitalandothercities,werenotchallengedby_HNP_Ԁor  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficers.Inthesameperiod,beforethe_MINUSTAH_Ԁoperationon20March t 2005thatendedanoccupationofthepolicestationinPetite-_Go ve_,Amnesty ` Internationaldelegatesobservedthatformermilitarywereenforcingthelaw,again L  withoutbeingchallenged.8 (#(# 0  Theinterimgovernmentsabilitytoaddressdisarmamentduring2004waspartially  ` constrainedbythelackofstateauthoritythroughoutmostofthecountry.Publicservices  L  andpublicadministrationcollapsedduringtheFebruary2004rebellion;lawenforcement  8  officialsfled;policestations,prisonsandcourtswerelooted,burnedanddestroyed;local $  delegatesatdifferentadministrativelevelswentontherunorwereremovedfromoffice.   Inthisvacuumofstateauthority,formerrebelsandformermilitarygainedcontrolover   muchofthecountry,armsinhand.However,asthefirsthalfoftheyear2005ended,it   becameclearthattheinterimgovernmentlackedthepoliticalwilltoaddressthe   disarmament,demobilizationandreintegrationissueinacomprehensiveandsystematic p manner.\(#(# 0  Theformermilitary,encouragedbytheiradvantageousposition,madetheinterim 4 governmentaccedetotheirdemandsforfinancialcompensationandfurtherintegration  p intothenationalpoliceforthosewhosodesired.ADemobilizedSoldiersManagement  \ Bureau(Bureaude_gestion_Ԁdes_militaires_Ԁ_dmobiliss_)wassetuptoaddressthe H grievancesoftheformermilitary.Itaskedforbackpaysincedemobilizationin1995and 4 forpaymentofthemilitarypensionfunds.Theinterimgovernmentagreedtopayintotal   US$28millionstotheex-_FADH_Ԁinthreeinstalments.However,nomeasureshavebeen   takentoensurethattheformermilitarywillturnintheirarmsandnoassuranceofafinal  demobilizationhasbeensetasaconditionforfinalpayment.Althoughmanyformer  militaryexpressedtheirdesiretodisarmanddemobilize,thereisdisagreementbetween  differentfactionsandmanyhaverefusedtohandovertheirweapons.l(#(# 0  On12March2005,formermilitarypersonnelsymbolicallyturnedintheirweaponsin D! Cap-Haitian,markingtheirreturntocivilianlife.However,duringtheofficialceremony 0"  attendedby,amongothers,PrimeMinister_Grard_Ԁ_Latortue_ԀandSpecialRepresentativeof #l! theUNSecretary-General,JuanGabriel_Valds_,onlysevendecrepitweaponswereturned $X" inby325newlydemobilizedmilitary.Concernsremainthatarmsarebeingtransferredto $D # otherfactionsofformermilitaryorarebeingstored.Thekillingon8April2005oftwo %0!$ leadersoftheformermilitaryduringconfrontationswith_MINUSTAH_Ԁand_HNP_Ԁofficers, &"% _Ramisinthe_Ԁ_Ravix_Ԁand_Ren_ԀJeanAnthony(alias"_Grenn_Ԁ_Sonnen_"),couldhave '#& repercussionsonthefutureofthe_DDR_Ԁ_programme_Ԁaimedattheformermilitaryasthe (#' unityamongthisgroupoveracceptingtodisarmmaybecompromised. x )$((#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_,ayearonh+&*(#(# Ї0  GiventhehumanrightssituationinHaiti,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasbeencriticizedforitslackof  strongactiontopreventhumanrightsabuses,principallythoseperpetratedbyHaitian  policeofficers.(12)_MINUSTAH_ԀpersonneltoldAmnestyInternationalsdelegationthat  themissionlackstheexecutivepowertoundertakeindependentpolicingactivityandto t complyfullywithspecificprovisionsinitsmandate,particularlytoprotectcivilians ` underimminentthreat.Thesupportthat_MINUSTAH_ԀmayhavefromtheHaitian L  populationfadesawaywitheveryabusereportedlycommittedwithimpunitybythe 8  nationalpolice.Supporthasalsofadedawayamonginhabitantsofdeprived $ t _neighbourhoods_Ԁandamong_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters!presentlythelargestpoliticalforcein  ` Haiti!because_MINUSTAH_Ԁismandatedtoassistthenationalpolice,whichcontinuesto  L  commitwidespreadabusesagainstmembersofboththesesectorsofthepopulation. 8 (#(#   Securingthecountry   0  Oneofthedifficulties_MINUSTAH_Ԁcontinuestofaceisalackofmilitarypowerand   intelligencetosecuretheareaswhereviolenceaffectsHaitianseveryday.Thiswas,and   tosomeextentstillis,thecaseindeprived_neighbourhoods_ԀofPort-au-Prince,suchas p _Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,Bel-Air,_Martissant_,_Delmas_ԀandVillagede_Dieu_.Civiliansarethedaily \ victimsofarmedgangsandofrepressiveoperationsbypolice.Although_MINUSTAH_ H maintainsaminimalpresenceinsuchareas,theimpactofitsmilitarypresenceislimited 4 tothemainstreetswhereitspatrolsarepresent.Inthesmallwindingalleysthatstretch  p throughout_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,thecivilianpopulationcontinuestosuffergraveabusesasthe  \ armedgangskill,rape,burnandlootwithimpunity.Inotherdeprived_neighbourhoods_Ԁof H thecapital,securityiscompromisedbyarmedgangsoperatingthereandbypolice 4 operationsthatareconductedwithoutthepresenceofa_MINUSTAH_/_CIVPOL_   counterpart. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  On20March2005,_MINUSTAH_Ԁsuffereditsfirstcasualtiesduringseparateoperationsto  takebackintostatecontroltwopolicestationsinPetite-_Go ve_ԀandTerre-Rouge.The  policestationshadbeenoccupiedbyformermilitarysinceNovember2004andnopolice l officerswerepresent.Lawenforcementwascarriedoutbytheformermilitarywithout X  anylegitimacy.Actsofintimidation,harassmentandreprisalagainst_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters D! werereportedtoAmnestyInternationalsdelegationinPetite-_Go ve_ԀinNovember.The 0"  JusticeofthePeaceofPetite-_Go ve_Ԁhadtorelyontheformermilitarytomakearrestsand #l! deliversummons.Formermilitarywereholdingincustodyfourpeopleintheoccupied $X" policestation.Similarsituationsexistedindifferentareasthroughoutthecountrywhere $D # theformermilitarywerestrongdespite_MINUSTAH_Ԁpresence.%0!$(#(# 0  HaitianNationalPoliceandHumanRights'#&(#(# 0  Oneofthemainchallengesfortheinterimgovernmentwastoensuretherespectand )$( protectionofhumanrights,asthe_HNP_Ԁhadbeenresponsiblefornumeroushumanrights |*%) violationsunderthepreviousgovernment.AmnestyInternationalhaddocumented h+&* patternsofexcessiveforceandmaderecommendationstotheHaitianauthoritiestomake  policeaccountabletotheruleoflaw.0(#(#(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thischallengeisparticularlyimportantgiventheincreasinginsecuritycreatedbywaves t ofpoliticalviolenceandorganizedcrimethathavespreadthroughoutthecapitaland ` otherpartsofthecountry.Policeofficersoftenfindthemselvesfightingagainstgangsthat L  areheavilyarmedandbetterequippedthantheyare.Severalpoliceofficershavebeen 8  killedintheseconfrontations.$ t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thepoliceforceisunderstaffed,badlyequippedandinsufficientlytraineddespite  L  sustainedeffortsbytheinternationalcommunitytoassistintheirtrainingand  8  professionalizationsinceitwascreatedin1995.Thehighdegreeofpoliticizationduring $  Aristidesgovernment,linkedtohighlevelsofcorruptionwithinthe_HNP_,wasinpart   responsibleforitspoorperformance.Allegationsofserioushumanrightsviolations   committedbythepolicecontinued. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ManyHaitiansindeprived_neighbourhoods_ԀofthecapitaldescribedthepolicetoAmnesty p Internationalnotasprotectors,butassomethingtobefeared,almostakintoahostile \ force.ParentsandfriendsofpeoplekilledbypoliceofficerstoldAmnestyInternationalof H theirdistressatbeingtargetedsolelyfortheirpoliticalopinionsorsocialstatus.Inpoor 4 _neighbourhoods_Ԁofthecapital,gangmembers!mostlyyoungmalesandchildren!  p survivethroughcrime.Reportssuggestthatwhenpolicecarryoutoperationsinsuch  \ areas,theytargetyoungmalesaspotentialcriminals("bandits")andmanyarekilledasa H resultofexcessiveuseofforcebythepolice.4(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Policeaccountsofconfrontationsorshoot-outswithbanditscontinuetobedisputedin   manycasesbywitnesses.AmnestyInternationalconsidersthatthemannerinwhich  deadlyforceisfrequentlyemployedandtheabsenceofprompt,thoroughandeffective  investigationsisconsistentinmanyinstanceswithapatternofunlawfulkillingsor  extrajudicialexecutions.l(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Suchcasesincludethekillingofatleast11peopleatFortNationaland_Carrefour_Ԁ_Pan_Ԁin D! October2004.Untilnow,thefindingsofinvestigationshavenotbeenmadepublicnor 0"  hasanyonebeenheldtoaccount.First-handinformationgatheredbyAmnesty #l! Internationaldelegates,includingfromwitnesses,implicatespoliceofficersinthese $X" killings,contradictingofficialdenials.$D #(#(# 0  Extrajudicialexecutionsandunlawfulkillings&"%(#(# 0  Extrajudicialexecutionscontinueandareroutinelydeniedbythepolice.Amnesty (#' Internationalhasraisedseveralcaseswiththeauthoritieswhereitbelievedthatpolice )$( mayhaveusedexcessiveforceduringlawenforcementoperations.Theseinclude:|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  On27October2004,fouryoungmenwerereportedlysummarilyexecutedinbroad  daylightinthe_Carrefour_Ԁ_Pan_ԀsuburbofPort-au-Prince.Accordingtotestimonies  gatheredbyAmnestyInternationalatthesiteofthekilling,about15policeagentsinfive  policecarsarrivedintheareaataround11am.Twoofthecarswereparkedperpendicular t tothewall.Thefouryoungmenweretakentobetweenthecarsandshotdead.Oneof ` themhadhishandstiedbehindhisback.Shortlyafterthecarsleft,policeinanothercar L  arrivedandfiredindiscriminatelyintohousesinanadjacentstreet.Severalhouseshad 8  bulletholesandbulletsremainedimplantedinwalls.Thefourbodieswereleftinthe $ t streetondisplay;theywereonlypickedupbythepolicetwodayslater.Theidentityof  ` thevictimsremainsunknowntolocalresidentsandAmnestyInternational.The  L  authoritiesdenythatsuchanoperationevertookplace.     8 (#(# 0  InNovember2004,accordingtoreportsreceivedbyAmnestyInternational,police   officerswearingplain-clothesfromtheCompanyforInterventionandMaintenanceof   Order(Compagnie_dintervention_Ԁetde_maintien_Ԁde_lordre_,_CIMO_)!a_HNP_Ԁspecialunit   !somehidingtheirfaceswith_balaclavas_,killedatleastsixpeopleinVillagede_Dieu_,a   poor_neighbourhood_ԀofPort-au-Prince.Therehasbeennoofficial_acknowledgement_Ԁof p theincidentnorhaveallthevictimsbeenformallyidentified.Theauthoritiesdenythat \ suchanoperationtookplace.H(#(# 0  On14January2005,policeofficialsconductedanoperationinVillagede_Dieu_  p apparentlyaimedatdeterringarmedbanditsinthearea.Twoyouthswerereportedly  \ killedbythepolice._Abdias_ԀJean,ajournalistwhoinvestigatedtheincident,was H reportedlykilledbythesamepoliceofficers.Todate,noonehasbeenheldtoaccountfor 4 thekillings. (#(# 0  On5January,JimmyCharleswasarrestedbysoldiersfrom_MINUSTAH_Ԁandhanded  overtothe_HNP_.HewastakentotheAnti-GangpolicestationinPort-au-Prince.Hewas  laterreleasedbuthisbullet-riddenbodyturnedupatthenationalhospitalmorgueon14  January.l(#(# 0  On30January,17-year-old_Wilken_Ԁ_Bosse_ԀwasdraggedoutofhishouseinCorridor D! Bassiaandshotdeadonthestreetreportedlybypoliceofficers.At5amonthesameday, 0"  46-year-old_Rodrigue_Ԁ_Bonin_Ԁ(alsoknownasLa_Rivire_)wasdraggedoutofhishouseand #l! shottwiceintheheadallegedlybypoliceofficers.Hediedinhospitalon4February.$X"(#(# 0  On4February,a14-year-oldboy,JeffJoseph,waskilled,reportedlybypoliceofficerson %0!$ hiswaytoashoponSanFilRoad,Bel-Air.&"%(#(# 0  On5February,Steve_Blemy_,aged21,waskilled,reportedlybypoliceofficerswearing (#' blackuniforms,in_Fontforts_ԀStreet,Bel-Air,Port-au-Prince.)$((#(# 0  On28February,policeofficersopenedfireonapeacefulpro-_Lavalas_Ԁdemonstratorsin h+&* Bel-Air(Port-au-Prince)killingatleastoneperson.(#(# 0  On27April,policeofficersreportedlyfiredindiscriminatelyonpeacefulpro-_Lavalas_  demonstratorsneartheUNheadquartersinPort-au-Princekillingatleastfivepeopleand t woundingseveralothers.Fourdiedlaterfromtheirwounds.`(#(# 0  Caseexample:KillingsinFortNational8 (#(# 0  ThirteenyoungpeoplewereapparentlyshotdeadbypoliceincoldbloodintheFort $ t National_neighbourhood_ԀofPort-au-Princeon26October2004. `(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thekillingshappenedafterfourpolicevehiclesandanambulancearrivedinthe  8  afternoonat_Estim_ԀStreet,FortNational.Theoccupantsofthepolicevehicleswere $  reportedlywearingblackuniformswiththeword"POLICE"writtenontheback.They   hadtheirfacescoveredwith_balaclavas_.Sometookupfiringstancesonthestreet,others   enteredoneofthenarrowalleysthataretypicalofPort-au-Princespoorest   _neighbourhoods_. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Accordingtotestimonies,thepolicewenttothehouseofTiRichard.Hewasout,but13 \ otherpeoplewerethere.Thepoliceallegedlyorderedthemtolieonthegroundandshot H themwithoutprovocationorapparentmotive.4(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thebodiesoffourofthepeopleinthehousewerelaterfoundatthemorgueofthe  \ HaitianStateUniversityHospital.Othershaveneverbeenfound!theyarewidely H believedtohavebeentakento_Titanyen_,adumpintheoutskirtsofPort-au-Princewhere 4 bodiesareoftenleft. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Despitenumerouswitnessesandotherevidence,thedepartmentdirectorofthe_HNP_,  _Renan_Ԁ_tienne_,statedthathehadnotorderedanyoperationatFortNationalon26  October.An_HNP_Ԁspokeswomanstatedon28Octoberthatshehadcontactedthepolice  unitscarryingoutoperationsthatday,buttherewasnoreportedincidentinFortNational, l andtherewasnopoliceactioninthis_neighbourhood_.X (#(# 0  Arbitraryarrests0" (#(# 0  Thepoliceandjudicialauthoritieshavealongtraditionofarrestingpeopleasa #l! preventivemeasure,withoutanylegalgroundsorbasedonanyaccusation.Detaineescan $X" thenbelockedawayforlongperiods.Inmanycases,theyhavetopayfortheirreleaseor $D # tobebroughtbeforeajudgetoruleonthelegalityoftheirdetention.Themajorityofthe %0!$ detaineescannotaffordanylegalcounsel.&"%(#(# 0   (#(# 0  _Lavalas_Ԁsupportershavebeentargetedinpolicesweepsacrosspoor_neighbourhoods_Ԁof (#' thecapitalwheresupportfortheirpartyisstrong.Inotherregions,wherethepolice )$( presenceissmaller,_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersaretargetedforarrestbyformermilitaryandtheir |*%) attachs.h+&*(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Hundredsofpeopleremaininprison.Mosthavenotbeenformallycharged.Someare  stillbeinghelddespiteadirectorderfortheirreleaseissuedbythejudicialauthorities.(#(#    `  0  Humanrightsabusesbyarmedgroupsandgangs`(#(# 0  Sincethebeginningof2004,violencebyillegalarmedgroupsandgangshassoaredinthe L  capital,attime_paralysing_Ԁeconomicactivitiesinthedowntownarea.8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  DiversearmedgroupsinvolvedintherebellionthatoustedJean-BertrandAristideandthe  ` armedgangsthatsupportedhimareattherootofthisviolence.Thesegroupsincludethe  L  CannibalArmy,renamedthe_Artibonite_sResistanceFront(Frontde_Rsistance_Ԁde  8  _lArtibonite_);theformermilitaryregroupedundertheleadershipofLouis-_Jodel_ $  _Chamblain_ԀandGuyPhilippe,knownasthe(NorthernResistanceFront);aswellasthe   armedgangsloyaltoJean-BertrandAristideknownas_chimres_.Allareresponsiblefor   numeroushumanrightsabuses.AmnestyInternationalisdeeplyconcernedthatthese   groupsandgangsarestillarmedandactive,andcontinuetocommithumanrightsabuses   withimpunity.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ArmedgangsH(#(# 0  From30September2004,thecriminalactivitiesofarmedgangsbecameevident,in  p particularduringthedemonstrationstocommemoratethe13thanniversaryofthemilitary  \ coupthattoppledJean-BertrandAristidein1991,andwhichmarkedtheoutbreakof H severalviolentincidentsallegedlycarriedoutbyarmedgangssupportingJean-Bertrand 4 Aristide.Theauthoritiesmovedswiftlytocurbthecriminalityandviolenceindowntown   Port-au-Princethroughlargescalepoliceoperations. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  However,theoutcomeofpoliceinterventionsdidnotbringsecuritytocitizensand  tradersworkingintheaffectedareas.Onthecontrary,theoperationsweremarredby  serioushumanrightsviolations,includingillegalarrests,ill-treatmentandunlawful l killings.X (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Theinter-gangwarfareseemstohaveabatedwiththekillingbyrivalgangmembers,on 0"  31March,ofThomasRobinson,alias"_Labanye_",whocontrolledtheBoston #l! _neighbourhood_Ԁin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁandwhoreportedlyhadallegianceswiththeformer $X" oppositionto_Lavalas_Ԁandthecurrentgovernment.Inspiteofthis,thepopulationof_Cit_ $D # _Soleil_Ԁinparticular,continuestobethevictimofhumanrightsabusesbythegangs %0!$ controllingthearea.Violenceagainstwomenisthisdeprived_neighbourhood_Ԁisamajor &"% concern.'#&(#(# 0  Formermilitarypersonnel)$((#(# 0  Theinterimgovernmentand_MINUSTAH_Ԁappeartobeshowingincreasingleniency h+&* towardstheformermilitaryandotherillegalgroups.Inparticular,theyhavefailedto  preventthemfromengaginginillegalactivitiesandcommittinghumanrightsabusessuch  asarbitrarykillings,arrestsandholdingprisonerswithoutanylegalbasis,intimidatingthe  population,andthreateningtodeposetheinterimgovernment.t(#(# 0  Tensionsbetweenthegovernmentandtheformermilitarycontinuetoposeathreattothe L  restorationoflastingpeaceanddemocracy.Thereisreportedtobegrowingresentment 8  amongtheformermilitaryoverrecentcompensationgiventothosewhowere $ t demobilizedin1995.Formermilitarypersonnelwhoweredismissedbeforethe  ` demobilizationdecreewasissuedalsodemandedcompensation,whichthegovernment  L  hasrefused.Asaresult,theyarethreateningtoopposeany_DDR_Ԁ_programme_. 8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ThenumberofdemobilizedmembersoftheformerHaitianarmythathaveregroupedinto   armedfactionsisestimatedtobebetween3,000and5,000menacrossthecountry.Larger   numbersarequotedbytheformermilitary,whosaythatnotallthemenbearingarms   wereinthearmyin1995.AmnestyInternationalsdelegatesobservedthatmanyofthe   so-calledformermilitaryweretooyoungtohavebeenenrolledinthearmyin1995.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheformermilitaryhavesporadicallybeenseenpatrollingthestreetsofPort-au-Prince, H carryingarmsandwearingmilitaryfatigues.Theywerereportedlyunchallengedbythe 4 _HNP_Ԁor_MINUSTAH_Ԁmilitarypersonneleventhoughtheyhadlegalbasisandwere  p thereforeillegallyarmed.Thiscomplacencybythegovernmenthasallowedtheformer  \ militarytocompetewiththepolice,therebyconsolidatingtheirpresenceandauthorityat H alocallevel.Inseveralmunicipalitiestheformermilitarywerethedefactoauthorities 4 becausethepolicewasnotpresentsinceFebruary2004.AmnestyInternationalobserved   thatformermilitarywereactivelyinvolvedinissuingarrestwarrants,maintaining   securityandillegallydetainingandimprisoningmembersofthecommunity.(#(#    `     h      p      x 0  Sectionchiefs(#(# 0  Thesinisterreputationofruralsectionchiefsandtheir"attachs"isforgedonnumerous X  reportsofabuse,extortion,killingsandotherhumanrightsviolationsduringtheDuvalier D! regimeandthemilitaryruleof1991-1994.Disbandedonceinearly1991andthenagain 0"  in1995byPresidentAristide,theyhavemadeacomebackinseveralpartsofthecountry, #l! particularlyintheCentralDepartment.Takingadvantageofthevacuumofauthoritythat $X" prevailsinsomeareassincethedepartureofJean-BertrandAristide,severalsection $D # chiefshavebeenreinstatedbylocalformermilitarycommandersorontheirown %0!$ initiativebutwiththeendorsementofthecommanders.&"%(#(# 0  Atthebeginningoftheyear,sectionchiefswerereported"inoffice"insomecommunes (#' oftheCentralDepartment:_Ranquitte_,_Savanette_,_Belladre_,_Thomonde_,Grand-Bois )$( region,Las_Cahobas_,Source_Carbajal_ԀandCerca_Carbajal_.Othercommunesoutsidethe |*%) CentralDepartmentwheretheyhavebeenreportedlyoperatingare_Chantal_Ԁ(Southern h+&* Department),_Trou_ԀduNord,_Milot_,Grande_Rivire_ԀduNord,_Plaine_ԀduNord,_Pignon_,  _Accul_ԀduNord,La_Victoire_,andSainteSuzanne.ThePoliceareabsentfromthese  communitiesasareotherstaterepresentatives.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  MostofthesectionchiefstookcontrolwhereelecteddelegatestotheAdministrative ` CounciloftheCommunalSection(_Conseil_Ԁ_dAdministration_ԀdelaSection_Communale_) L  hadabandonedtheirpositionsforfearofretaliationorweresimplydismissedwhenthe 8  interimgovernmenttookoffice.Accordingtoreportsfromremoteareas,_MINUSTAH_ $ t andpolicepersonnelareseldomseenoutsidethedepartmentalcapitalsthusleavingmost  ` ofthesectionsdistantfromimportanturban_centres_Ԁwithoutstateauthorityandatthe  L  mercyofillegalarmedgangs. 8 (#(#   Administrationofjustice h    0  Thereisnodoubtthatfailuretoaddressimpunityforthesecrimesinthepastresultedin   continuinghumanrightsabusesandhasprolongedtheconflict.Durablepeacewillnotbe   achievedunlessthoseresponsibleforcrimesundernationalandinternationallawareheld p toaccount,andthevictimsgainredress.\(#(# 0  TheadministrationofcriminaljusticeinHaitiremainshighlydysfunctional.The 4 independenceandimpartialityofthejudiciaryhavebeenputtothetest,particularlyinthe  p manycasesthathaveapoliticalnature. \(#(# 0  Theweaknessofthejudiciarycontinuestobeacauseofseriousconcern.Amnesty 4 Internationalreceivedreportsofaseriesofarrestsanddetentionsthatpossiblyhave   politicalconnotations.Delaysinbringingdetaineesbeforeajudgeandlackofjudicial   supervisionarecommonintheadministrationofjustice.Peoplehavebeendetainedon  thebasisofasingledenunciationandwithnopreliminaryinquiry.Anordertoappear  beforeajudge(_mandat_Ԁ_damner_)issuedbyajusticeofthepeaceoftenturnsintoan  arrestfollowedbylong-termpre-trialdetention.l(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AmnestyInternationalisconcernedbythelargenumberofarbitraryarrestsandabout D! ill-treatmentduringarrestandindetention;restrictedaccesstolawyers,familiesand 0"  adequatemedicalcare;andtheinabilityofdetaineestochallengethelegalityoftheir #l! detention.    h $X"(#(# 0  Long-termandpreventivedetention%0!$(#(# 0  Long-termandpreventivedetentionsremaintheruleandnottheexceptioninHaiti.The '#& prisonsarecrowdedwithdetaineesarbitrarilyarrestedandheldforlongperiodswithout (#' beingabletochallengethelegalityoftheirdetention.)$((#(# 0  Womenandchildrenfacingabusesh+&*(#(# Ї0  Humanrightsabusesagainstwomen,includingrapeandothersexualabuse,anddomestic  violence,aredifficulttodocumentcomprehensively.Onlyafractionofsuchabusesare  reportedtohumanrightsandwomensorganizationsasthevictimsfearfortheirlivesor  reprisalsfromtheiraggressors.Invirtuallyallcases,theperpetratorsgetawaywiththeir t crimes.MostofthesurvivorsinterviewedbyAmnestyInternationalsaidthatreporting ` theircasestothepolicewasnotonlyuselessbutmightcompromisetheirsafety.Barely L  anycasesofrapeorotherviolenceagainstwomenhavebeenreportedinthelocalpress.8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Similarly,streetchildrenarealsohighlyvulnerabletopoliticalviolenceandarmed  ` conflict.InPort-au-Prince,3,000childrenareestimatedtoliveinthestreetsandare  L  severely_marginalized_Ԁbythepopulation.Notinfrequently,theyarethetargetofvigilante  8  groups.    h $ (#(# 0  Violenceagainstwomen (#(# 0  Violenceagainstwomenisparticularlyprevalentintheabsenceoftheruleoflaw,asis   thecaseinmuchofHaiti.Womenarevictimsofrandomviolenceinpoor p _neighbourhoods_Ԁofthecapitalandofterrorcampaignsusingrape,murder,arsonand \ looting.AsthemajorityofheadsofhouseholdsinHaiti,womenalsobearthebruntofthe H increasinginsecurityinthecountry,whichhasadirectimpactontheeconomicactivities 4 intheinformalsectorinwhichmostwomenderivetheirlivelihood. p(#(# 0  Politicallymotivatedrapeshavebeenreportedduringandshortlyafterthearmed H rebellionofFebruary2004.Thehighincidenceofthisformofviolenceagainstwomen 4 remainsofgreatconcern.Womenaretargetedbecausetheirhusbandsorrelativesare   believedtosupport_Lavalas_ԀParty. (#(# 0  First-handtestimoniesgatheredfromsurvivorsbyAmnestyInternational,aswellas  informationmadeavailabletotheorganization,suggestthattheattacksagainstwomen  areconsistentwithanumberofpatternsincludingextremeviolence.Thewomenand l girlsareusuallyattackedintheirhomesorinthehomeofrelativesorfriends.Theattack X  isoftenperpetratedbygroupsofheavilyarmedmenwhoburstintothehomesandsubject D! theirvictimstogangrapesandotherformsofsexualviolence.Themenareoftenmasked, 0"  concealingtheiridentity.Rapesareoftencarriedoutinfrontofthevictimschildrenor #l! otherrelatives.$X"(#(# 0  Mostwomensurvivorsofsexualviolencehavenowheretogoandsoareforcedtostayin %0!$ theirownhomes,oftenwheretheattackstookplace.Others,asaresultoffearorpressure &"% fromtheirhusbandsorpartners,areforcedtoabandontheirhomes.Caseshavebeen '#& reportedwherethehusbandhasthrownhiswifeoutofthehouseaftershewasraped (#' fearingthatshemightbeinfectedwithsexuallytransmitteddiseasesorHIV.)$((#(# 0  Manywomencannotidentifytheirattackersbecausethemenconcealtheiridentityunder h+&* amask.However,somewomenhavesaidthattheirattackersweregangmemberswho  controltheir_neighbourhood_Ԁormembersofarivalgangcomingintotheir_neighbourhood_.  Thispatternseemstobethecasein_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,wheregangswithdifferentpolitical  allegiancesconfrontedeachotherformorethanayearwithvirtuallynoresponsefromthe t authorities.AmnestyInternationalisconcernedthatwomenin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁremain ` extremelyvulnerableinthecontextofgeneralizedviolenceandlawlessness.Itcontinues L  toreceivereportsofgangmembersrapingandsubjectingwomentootherformsof 8  violencewithtotalimpunity.$ t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  UnderHaitianlaw,rapeisacrimepunishablebyimprisonment.However,thereisan  L  extremelylowrateofconvictionforrape.OnereasonisthefailureofHaitisauthorities  8  toprosecutereportedcasesofrape,particularlywhenstateagentsareimplicated.This $  contributestotheperpetuationofviolenceagainstwomen.Womencannotseekredress   nor,inmostcases,dotheyreceiveadequatemedicaltreatmentandpsychologicalsupport   frompublicinstitutions.Thisispartlybecauseofthescarcityofresourcesavailableinthe   publichealthsystem,aproblemcompoundedbythehighlevelsofpoverty. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Womenworkingintheinformalsector,mainlyasstreetvendors,areunderconstant \ threatofindiscriminateviolencefromarmedbanditswhocreateaclimateofterror--a H situationthatisrarelychallengedbylawenforcementofficials.4(#(# 0  Caseexample:Rapebyunknownaggressors \(#(# 0  Duringthenightof22September2004,in_Delmas_Ԁ17,Port-au-Prince,fourhoodedand 4 armedmenwearingcivilianclothescametoJaneshouse(realnamewithheld).Her   husbandwasoutbutthreeofherfriendsandheryoungsonweresleepingthere.Even   thoughJanewaseightmonthspregnantshewasforcedtoliefacedownalongwiththe  otherthreewomen.Theywerebeatenandkicked,andthemensteppedontheirbacks  beforerapingthem.Theyoungchildwitnessedtheassaultandwasgaggedwithascarf.  ThemenleftwithallJanesbelongings,includingthechildrensclothes.l(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Janewenttothehospitalseveraltimesbutcouldnotgetamedicalexaminationtocertify D! herconditionfollowingtheattack.Shesubsequentlygavebirthtoababywhois 0"  reportedlysufferingfromseverehealthcomplications.Shecannotaffordtoseekmedical #l! treatmentforherbaby.$X"(#(# 0   (#(# 0  WhenJaneshusbandreturnedhome,hereportedlythrewheroutofthehousebecause %0!$ shehadbeenrapedandmighthaveinfections.JanetoldAmnestyInternationalthatshe &"% felttoohumiliatedandterrifiedtoreporttheattacktothepolice.   x '#&(#(# 0  Violenceagainstchildren)$((#(# 0  Childrenlivingonthestreetsareparticularlyvulnerabletoviolence.InHaiti,theyface h+&* profounddiscriminationandarecommonlythetargetsofindiscriminateviolenceand  repressionbythepolice.AmnestyInternationalhasreceivedseveraltroublingreportsof  harassment,ill-treatment,disappearancesandexecutionsofstreetchildrenandother  minors.t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Alargeproportionofcurrenthumanrightsviolationsagainstchildren,especiallytorture L  andunlawfulkillings,arebeingcommittedbypoliceofficersinthecontextofoperations 8  purportedtobecombatingcrime.Inthiscontext,childrenareindiscriminatelybeing $ t portrayedascriminalstojustifypoliceaction,includingserioushumanrightsviolations,  ` againstthem.0 (#(# L  (# (# 0   (#(# 0  Theextentandscopeofsuchviolationsmaybemuchgreaterthanavailablefigures $  indicate.Expertsinthefieldsaythatmanycasesarenotreportedbecauseofthelackof   witnesses,becausemanyvictimsortheirrelativesliveonthefringesofsociety,and   because,withfewfamilyties,thevictimstendtoremainanonymousandforgotten.Many   victimsandtheirrelatives,aswellaswitnesses,donotreportthecrimesbecausetheyare   frightenedordonotbelievethattheycanobtainjustice.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Othertypesofviolationsagainstchildren,suchasarbitraryarrestandill-treatmentin H custody,arecommittedbythepolice.Inthesecases,especiallythoseinvolvingtorture, 4 abusesoccurduringinterrogationaboutcriminaloperationsorthewhereaboutsof  p criminals. \(#(# 0  Conclusionsandrecommendations4(#(# 0  HaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_)officerscontinuetoarbitrarilydetain,illtreatand   unlawfullykillcitizensanduseexcessiveforceonaregularbasis.Thepolicespoor  performanceintacklingcrime,thehighlevelofcorruptionreportedwithintheirranks,  andtheroutinehumanrightsviolationscommittedbythesecurityforcesposefurther  seriousthreatstothepeaceandstabilityofthecountryandfosteraneverhigherlevelof l mistrusttowardsthesecurityforcesamongHaitians.X (#(# 0   (#(# 0  AmnestyInternationalisdeeplyconcernedaboutthedisregardforthelivesandphysical 0"  integrityofpeopleinHaitiandreiteratesitscallontheinterimgovernmentand #l! _MINUSTAH_Ԁtoconductindependentandthoroughinquiriesintoallhumanrights $X" violations.$D #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AmnestyInternationalbelievesthattheinterimgovernmentisfailingtocommititself &"% publiclyandfirmlytoprotectinghumanrightsandendingthecycleofimpunity. '#& Perpetratorsofserioushumanrightsviolationscontinuetoroamfreelyacrossthecountry.(#'(#(#  "3"  3R2#  26  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Arbitraryarrest/prisonerofconscience,(July25,2005).3R݌|*%)(#(# Ќ    http://_web.amnesty.org_/library/Index/ENGAMR360082005?open&of=ENG-_HTI_ h+&*    `  0  Catholicpriest_Grard_ԀJean-Justewastakenintocustodyatapolicestationforhisown  protectionon21July,afterhewasassaulted,butwhilehewasatthepolicestationhe  wasaccusedofmurder.Hewasabroadatthetimeofthemurderofwhichhehasbeen t accused,butheisaprominentopponentofthegovernment.AmnestyInternational ` considershimaprisonerofconscience,detainedsolelybecausehehaspeacefully L  exercisedhisrighttofreedomofexpression.8 (#(# 0  Rev.Jean-JustehasbeenanoutspokensupporterofformerpresidentJean-Bertrand  ` Aristide,andcriticofthepresentgovernment,inhissermonsandinradiobroadcasts. L (#(# 0  Atthepolicestation,officerJean-Daniel_Ulysse_,fromtheCentralCommandofthe $  JudicialPolice(Direction_Centrale_ԀdelaPolice_Judiciaire_,_DCPJ_)accusedhimofthe   murderofthejournalist.Althoughhewassupposedlytheresimplyforhisownsafety,he   waslockedupinacellatthepolicestationwithanother43detainees.Thefollowingday   hewastransferredtotheNationalPenitentiary,whereheisinsolitaryconfinement.   Accordingtohislawyer,hehasreportedlybeenchargedwiththemurderofJacques p _Roche_.However,Rev.Jean-Justeandhislawyerswerenotshownanarrestwarrantor \ anyotherofficialstatementofthecharges.HeisoneofdozensofAristidesupporters H whohavebeenarbitrarilydetainedinthisway.4(#(# 0  JournalistJacques_Roche_Ԁwas_kidnapped_Ԁon10July,andmurderedwhenthefullransom  \ demandedwasnotpaid.Rev.Jean-JustewasintheUnitedSatesatthetime,returning H fromMiamion15July.4(#(# 0  Rev.Jean-Justehasbeenatargetforgovernmentrepressionforsometime.On13   October2004,hewasarrestedbypolicewithoutawarrantathischurch,SaintClaires,in  Port-au-Prince.Awarrantissuedon18Octoberaccusedhimofplottingagainstthe  internalsecurityofthestate.Hewasreleasedon29November,aftersixweeksin  custody.l(#(#  "3"  3G2#  27  .3  0    BBCNews, GuncultureunderminingHaiti,(July28,2005). D! http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4723805.stm3Gt݌0" (#(# Ќ  0  Haitiisawashwithsmallarmswhicharefuelingviolenceandhumanrightsabusesand $X" threatenplannedelections,accordingtoAmnestyInternational.$D #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thegroupsaysarmedcriminalgangsandpoliceofficersalikeareabletoactwith &"% impunitytowardscivilians. '#&(#(# 0  TheUNmissioninthecountryisstrugglingtomaintainlawandorderfollowingasurge )$( inviolenceinHaiti.|*%)(#(# 0  h+&*(#(# 0  Thecountryhasrecentlybeenhitbyastringofabductionsandpolicesaythatmorethan  450peoplehavebeenkidnapedsinceMarch. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  HaitiansremainmiredinahumanrightscrisisdespitethepresenceofaUN t peacekeepingforce,thereportsays,warningviolencecouldgetworsebeforethe ` elections.L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Littletangibleprogresshasbeenmadetoprotecthumanrightssincetheinterim $ t governmenttookofficeinearlyMarch2004,itadds. `(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thereportsauthorsaysthatthecountrysinterimgovernmenthasnotsigneduptoa  8  comprehensivedisarmamentplandrawnupbytheUNforce.$ (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thegovernment,itsays,isfailingtoprotectthebasicrightsoftheHaitianpeople. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ThecountrysinterimPrimeMinister,Gerard_Latortue_,hasadmittedthatpolicecommit   abusesbuthasmaintainedtheseareinvestigated. p(#(#   "3"  32#  28  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict H developmentsinHaiti,(July2005). 4 http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun  p try_=46&_cw_date_=3݌ \(#(# Ќ  0  Securityremaineddire,withlargepartsofcapital,Port-au-Prince,ravagedbyarmed 4 gangsanddramaticincreasein_kidnappings_.UNSecurityCouncilvotedtosend   additional750peacekeepers(bringingtotalto7,500)and275policetosupportautumn   elections,andextendedandstrengthened_MINUSTAH_ԀmandatetoFebruary2006.But  observersarguedforlargerinternationalpolicepresencetohelpcontrol,reform,and  expandHaitianNationalPolice.Policeraidsinresponsetodeadlyattackallegedlyby  pro-_Lavalas_ԀgangsonPort-au-Princemarketandpolicestationleftupto20deadin l pro-Aristidestrongholds.MinisterofJusticeandPublicSecurityBernard_Gousse_ X  resignedamidstcriticismofcontinueddetentionwithoutdueprocessofformerPM_Yvon_ D! Neptune.Voterregistrationandelectoralpreparationsbehindschedule.@*(#(#  0"  "3"  342#  29  .3  0    TheEconomist, Haiti:OntheBrink,(June16,2005). $X" http://www4._economist.com_/research/_backgrounders_/_displaystory.cfm?Story_ID_=S' $D # (X%2C%24RQ'%25%20P%23%24%0A34a݌%0!$(#(# Ќ  0  AyearafteraUnitedNations_stabilisation_forcewassenttoHaiti,thecountryislooking '#& moreunstablethanever.Inanewreport,theBrussels-basedInternationalCrisisGroup (#' (_ICG_)describesthesituationasexplosive.Thisweek,Bernard_Gousse_,ministerof )$( justiceandpublicsecurityinHaiti'sinterimgovernment,resignedamidstgrowing |*%) criticismofthegovernment'shandlingofthecrisis.h+&*(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Formonths,largepartsofthecapital,Port-au-Prince,havebeenunderthecontrolof  armedgangs.Theyhavegrownincreasinglybrazen,carryingoutaspateof_kidnappings_,  _carjackings_,homeinvasionsandrapes.Mostofthevictimsaremiddleorupperclass. t Thosewithrelativesabroadaresendingtheirchildrenoutofthecountryforthesummer. ` Businessesarebeingforcedtoclose.L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thegangsappearbenton_terrorising_Ԁtheprivatesectorandstranglingtheeconomyina $ t bidtounderminecriticalelections,duethisautumn.Thesearesupposedtocompletethe  ` transitionbacktodemocracyfollowingtheoverthrowofPresidentJean-BertrandAristide  L  inFebruarylastyear.The_ICG_Ԁsaysaradicaloverhaulofthepoliceandjudiciaryis  8  neededtoimprovesecuritybeforethevotingifthesituationistobesaved.Ithascalled $  fortheUN's7,400-strongpeacekeepingforcetobeboostedbytheadditionofatleast   3,000extrapolice.ThisisprobablymorethantheUNcanmanage,thougha10%   increaseisnowbeingconsidered. (#(# 0  Latelastmonth,theAmericanembassyorderednon-emergencystafftoleaveHaitialong p withtheirfamilies.SomesawthisasavoteofnoconfidenceinboththeUNandHaiti's \ interimgovernment.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thesourceoftheviolenceisalethalcocktailofabundantweapons,political_polarisation_  p andextremeurbanpoverty.Someofthegangsarebelievedtohavepoliticaltiestothe  \ pro-Aristide_Lavalas_ԀFamilymovement,whileothersarelinkedtoanti-Aristidegroups, H thebusinesselite,anddrugtraffickerseagertoexploitthechaos.Policecorruptionhas 4 exacerbatedthesituation,creatingaclimateofimpunity.UNforceshaverecentlybegun   toadoptapolicyofzerotolerancetowardthearmedgangs,butsofarwithlittleeffect.   Wedidnotanticipatethecurrenturbanwar,DavidBeer,theUN'sCanadianpolice  commanderinHaiti,admits.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Mr_Gousse_Ԁgavenoexplanationforhisresignationthisweek.Buthehadcomeunderfire l forthecontinuingdetentionof_Yvon_ԀNeptune,formerprimeministerunderPresident X  Aristide.Arrestedayearago,itwasnotuntillastmonththathewasfinallychargedwith D! orchestratingthekillingofopponentsofhisformerboss.Hehasrepeatedlygoneon 0"  hungerstrikeclaiminghistotalinnocence.Mr_Gousse_Ԁalsostandsaccusedofignoring #l! allegedatrocitiesbypoliceagainstpro-Aristideslumdwellers.$X"(#(# 0   (#(# 0  UNmissionchiefsinsistthatsecuritymustgohandinhandwithsocialandeconomic %0!$ _programmes_ԀforHaiti'spoormasses.Despitepledgesofmorethan$1.3billioninaidata &"% donors'conferencelastsummer,verylittleofithasreachedHaiti.Anewmeetingistobe '#& heldinMontrealonJune17thatwhichtheCanadiansarehopingtocracksomeheads (#' together.Buttimeisrunningout.ManywesterndiplomatsbelievethatHaitiisnowon )$( thevergeofbecomingafailedstate. |*%)(#(#  h+&* "3"  3Q2#  30  .3  0    BBCNews, UNagreestostopgapHaitimission,(June1,2005).  4#O  5  yhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4598019.stm63OGuary  7Fef3Q~݌(#(# Ќ  0  TheUNmissionhasfailedtoquellviolenceinHaiti,whichcontinuedonTuesdaywhena t marketinthecapitalPortauPrincewasburneddown.`(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Atleastonepersonwasshotdeadatthemarket,andasurvivortoldtheAPnewsagency 8  thatotherstrappedinsidehadbeenkilled.$ t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ContinuingviolenceinHaitithreatenstoovershadowthecountryslocal,legislativeand  L  presidentialelections,duebetweenOctoberandDecember. 8 (#(# 0  BothcriminalgangsandpoliticalmilitiassupportersoropponentsofoustedPresident   JeanBertrandAristideareblamedforthebloodshed. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Humanrightsgroupssaymorethan600peoplehavebeenkilledinviolenceinHaitisince   lastOctober. p(#(# "3"  3 2#  31  .3  0    BBCNews, Haitifacesexplosivesituation,(June1,2005). H 4FeO  5  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4599369.stm6 O uary  7Fef 3  ݌4(#(# Ќ  0  Haitiiscaughtinadeeppolitical,socialandeconomiccrisis,saysanewreportby  \ BrusselsbasedthinktankInternationalCrisisGroup.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thesecuritysituationisexplosivedespitethepresenceofa7,400UNpeacekeeping   force,itsays. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  SeveralpeoplehavebeenkilledinfreshoutbreaksofviolenceastheUNvotedtoextend  itsmandateby24days.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thereportsayspowerfulspoilersarefomentingtheviolenceandinstabilityoutofa X  desiretoseek,keepormaximizepower,income,authority,orposition.D!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Itsaysthatpoliticalfactions,elementsofthebusinesselite,drugtraffickersandother #l! criminalorganizationshaveaclearinterestindelayingtheelectionsandin $X" _destabilisation_.$D #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thecontinuingviolencethreatenstoovershadowthecountryslocal,legislativeand &"% presidentialelections,duebetweenOctoberandDecember.'#&(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AtleastthreepeoplewerekilledduringunrestonTuesday,includingtheFrenchhonorary )$( consulinthenortherncityofCap_Haitien_,whowasshotdeadashewasdrivingnearthe |*%) capital,PortauPrince.h+&*(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thehumanrightssituation,saysthereport,isstillalarmingwithallegationsofsummary  executions,violenceagainstwomenandkidnapingbytheHaitianpoliceforce.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Underlyingmuchoftheviolenceisthechronicfailuretotacklepoverty,social ` deprivationandexclusionthatendangermostofthepopulation,saysthe_ICG_Ԁreport. L (#(# "3"  32#  32  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict $ t developmentsinHaiti,(June2005).    ` http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun  L  try_=46&_cw_date_=3݌ 8 (#(# Ќ     `     h   0  _UNSG_Ԁ_Kofi_Ԁ_Annan_Ԁcalledforadditional750troops/250policeandyearextensionforUN   missiontosupportupcomingelections(municipalvote9October,legislativeand   presidentialelections13Novemberand18December)._MINUSTAH_Ԁgiven4-week   extensionfrom1June.PrimeMinister_Latortue_Ԁissuedstrongstatement20Mayonneed   fornationalreconciliation,dayafter5,000protestersinPort-au-Princecalledfor p Aristidesreturn.Haiti'sSupremeCourtoverturnedconvictionsofmilitaryleadersfound \ guiltyin2000ofmurderofAristidesupporters-decision_criticised_Ԁas partisan. H DominicanRepublicexpelledasmanyas2,500Haitianimmigrantsafter4Haitians 4 arrestedformurder. p(#(# 0   (#(# "3 "  32#  33  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup, SpoilingSecurityinHaiti,(May31,2005). H 4eO  5  4 http://www.crisisgroup.org/text/index.cfm?id=34856Oveb  7e*3݌4(#(# Ќ  0  Haitiisensnaredinadeeppolitical,socialandeconomiccrisis,despite7,400UN   militaryandpolicepeacekeepersandtheresumptionofmultilateralaid.Thesecurity  situationisexplosive,especiallyinthecapital.Byfinallydeployingcountry-wide,the  UnitedNationsStabilizationMission(_MINUSTAH_)haspreventedevengreaterlevelsof  violence,butthetransitionisfragile,andaperhapsoverlyambitiouselectoralcalendar l compressedintothelastquarterof2005facesmanychallenges._MINUSTAH_Ԁneedstoget X  andexercisenewexecutiveauthorityoverlawenforcementandsecurityforcesifthe D! situationistobesaved.0" (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ManypowerfulspoilersinHaitihavemuchtogainfromfomentingviolence,insecurity $X" andpoliticalinstability.Outofadesiretoseek,keepor_maximise_Ԁpower,income, $D # authority,orposition,theseindividualsandgroupsdonotwantthetransitiontosucceed.%0!$(#(# 0   `     (#(# 0  AmongthespoilersarewarringgangswhodominatemuchoftheslumsofPort-au-Prince '#& andreceivevaryingdegreesofpoliticalandcriminalsupport.Manyaremanipulatedby (#' factionssympathetictoformerPresidentAristideandhis_Lavalas_Ԁmovement,othersby )$( anti-Aristidegroupings,elementsofthebusinesselite,drug-traffickersorothercriminal |*%) _organisations_Ԁ_--_Ԁallofwhichhaveaclearinterestindelayingtheelectionsandin h+&* _destabilisation_.Althoughnolongeraneffectivemilitaryforce,anothergroupofspoilers  arearmedformerrebelsandmembersoftheHaitianArmedForces(ex-_FAd'H_),whoare  anintimidatingpresenceinthecountryside.Thousandsofweaponsremaininthehands  ofallthesegroups.Asystematicprogramofdemobilisation,disarmamentand t reintegration(_DDR_)muststartatonceandbecoupledwithpolice,judicial,politicaland ` economicreforms.L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thehumanrightssituationisstillalarming,withconcernfocusingongrowingallegations $ t ofsummaryexecutions,violenceagainstwomen,_kidnapping_Ԁandothercriminalactsby  ` elementswithintheHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_),theabsenceofgovernment  L  investigationsintotheseviolations,andadysfunctionaland_politicised_Ԁjusticesystem. 8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Adeeply_polarised_Ԁsocietyandthecollapseofstateinstitutionsandstateauthorityover   thepastdecadeopenedthewayfortheemergenceofviolentgroupswithrootsbothin   socialconflictandpoliticalfeuds,andlatelywithapoliticalbutdeadlydruggangs.   Underlyingmuchoftheviolenceisthechronicfailuretotacklethepoverty,social   deprivationandexclusionthatendangermostofthepopulation.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Lifeinthecapitalis_characterised_Ԁbyconstantfearof_organised_Ԁcrime,urbangangs, H policeviolence,sniperattacksoncivilianandUNtargets,and_kidnappings_.Sincethe 4 riotsof30September2004,over600peoplehavebeenkilled,includingsome40police  p officers.TheHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_)isundertremendouspressurefromurban  \ gangsinpoor_neighbourhoods_.H(#(# 0  Boththe_HNP_Ԁand_MINUSTAH_Ԁhavecripplinggapsinresourcesandcapabilities,   includingthelackofreliableintelligence,questionabletraining,dividedloyalties,   unqualifiedpoliceofficersandconflictingmandates.Rivalgangs--withvaryingdegrees  ofpoliticalandcriminalbacking--dominatetheslumsofPort-au-Prince.Manyarebeing  manipulatedbypoliticalandcriminalforceswithclearinterestsinpostponingthe  electionsandincitingins_tability_.l(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Althoughweaponsareomnipresentamongurbangangs,criminalarmedgroups,former D! militaryandinsurgents,nocomprehensivedisarmamentinitiativehasyetbeen 0"  undertaken.#l!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  The_polarisation_ԀofHaitiansociety,aswellasthedeteriorationofstateinstitutionsand $D # authority,particularlyinrecentyears,pavedthewayfortheemergenceofevermore %0!$ violentgroups.Deeplyrootedinsocialconflictandpoliticaltrauma,thesegangsareas &"% muchapartoftheurbanrealityofextremepovertyand_marginalisation_Ԁastheyaretools '#& offormerPresidentAristideorotherpoliticalsponsors.AttherootofHaiti'sproblemsis (#' achronicfailuretotacklethepoverty,socialdeprivationandinequalitymostofits )$( populationfaces.  |*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  TheseedsofHaiti'sviolenceareintheacutesocialandeconomicinequalitieswhichhave  historicallymarkedthecountry.Intheabsenceofaninclusiveandsustainable  _democratisation_Ԁprocess,racial,socialandeconomic_polarisation_Ԁhascreatedchronic  politicalinstability,dysfunctionalinstitutions,corruptionandcrime.The_socio_-economic t gapbetweentheimpoverishedblackmajorityandtheprivilegedmulattominority ` remainsunaddressed.L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Haitiansocietyisan_atomised_Ԁagglomerationofcontradictoryandantagonisticinterests, $ t relyingonviolenceastheultimatewaytoresolveconflicts.TheUKUS.,economicmodelisone  ` oftheunderlyingobstaclestopoliticalaswellaseconomicprogress.Itsmaingoalhas  L  beentomaintainthepower,interestsandadvantagesofafewfamiliesthatmonopolise  8  mostofitssectors.US.,UK.,;$ (#(#       UKUS.,#ffdd  Theprecariouseconomicsituationhasworsenedin#ddffԀthepastfewyears.    0  Astrugglehasdevelopedbetweentraditionalsectors--whosewealthisbasedonmonopolies O  --andnewsectorslinkedtodrug-traffickingthroughmoney-launderingandotherillegal ; activities.Thecurrentwaveofviolenceandinsecuritythreatensthetraditionalbusiness 'w community,somepartsofwhichseemtobelievethatrestorationoftheorderoftheDuvalier c era,whenthearmedforcesactedasenforcersofthestatusquo,isanappropriateresponse O toorganisedcrime.;(#(# 0  Thisnewbusinesssectorisalsolinked,directlyorindirectly,totheimport-exporttrade,  whichhasbecomeanotherimportantsourceofviolence.Themainportsandairportsarethe  objectsofpower-strugglestocontroltheiractivitiesandthegoodstransitingthroughthem.(#(# 0  Inacountrywhereextremepovertyhasbeenwidespreadforyearsandeconomicopportunity s narrowlycircumscribed,governmentremainstheprincipalmeansofacquiringpowerand _ wealth.Corruptandauthoritarianrulershaveusedthe"predatorystate"asavehiclefor K personalenrichment.BecausethiswaslargelythecaseduringthelastyearsoftheAristide 7 government,thetransitionalgovernmentpromisedtosetanexampleofintegrityandfight # s corruption.However,morethanayearafteritsestablishment,allegationsareincreasingof !_ widespreadcorruptioninstateinstitutions,reachingintotheofficesoftheprimeministerand !K thepresidencythemselves.Publiccontractsandcustomsarethemainsourcesofthealleged "7  corruption.Atenderingprocessforanimportanttelephonecontractissaidtohaveledto ##! bribesunderthepreviousandcurrentgovernments.Thebeneficiarieshavelittledesireto $ " seearapidtransitiontoanindependent,accountable,administration.% #(#(#  > 0  Manypowerfulpeoplehaveclearinterestsinfomentingviolence,insecurityand &!$ destabilisation.Thespoilersarethegroupsandindividualswho--becauseoftheirinterest '"% inretainingormaximisingpower,income,authority,andposition--donotwantthe o(#& transitiontosucceed,andingeneralwanttomaintainastatusquothatsuitstheirlegalor [)$' illegalinterests.Whiletheirprimaryobjectiveseemstobethepostponementoftheelectoral G*%( process,theywouldalsobepreparedtomanipulateanddisruptthatprocessifweretogo 3+&) forwardsoastoweakenanynewly-electedgovernment.Theiroverarchinglong-term ,o'* objectiveistopreventthecreationanddevelopmentofsolidandeffectivestateinstitutions  whichwouldreduceorhalttheircurrentactivities.(#(# 0  Whileallpotentialspoilersareagenuineconcern,drugtraffickers,fragmentedinto t competingcells,areamajordestructiveforce.Theyappeartopossesseconomicresources ` thatenablethemtocontractarmedgangsthatcanstandupagainstthe_HNP_Ԁandthreaten L  entirecommunities.Solongastheyoperatewithrelativefreedom,publicsafetyisatconstant 8  risk.$ t(#(#  F 0  Haiti,givenitsvirtuallynon-existentlawenforcement,hasbecomeamajorregionaltransit  L  pointintheinternationaldrugtrade.Thevolumeofcocaineintransitrosefromaround5per  8  centofannual_U.S._Ԁimportsintheearly1990'sto13percentin1999,thendeclinedto8per $  centin2000andremainedaroundthatlevelthrough2004.Drugmoneyhashadadisruptive   andcorrosiveeffectonallaspectsofgovernmentandsociety.Customsofficials,the_HNP_   andthejusticesystemareprobablytheinstitutionsmostaffected,buttheimpactthroughout   Haitiansocietywillbelongstanding. (#(# 0  Itisestimatedthatalmost10percentofthedrugrevenuetransitingHaitiremainsinthe \ countryandissubsequentlyinvestedinmoney-launderingbusinessessuchasgasstations, H realestateandimport/export.Thisisoneofthemostimportantsourcesofincomeforthe 4 countryandillustrateshowharditwillbetofightthephenomenon. p(#(# 0  Theeffectofdrug-traffickingonthesecurityforceshasbeendisastrous.Large-scale H involvementofallranksofthearmywaswellestablishedduringthecoupyears.Several 4 membersofthenewlycreated_HNP_Ԁapparentlytookoverthisrole. (#(#  L 0  SincetheendofFebruary2005,thesecurityenvironmentinPort-au-Princehasdeteriorated,   inpartduetoamassiveescapeofprisonersfromtheNationalPenitentiary,includingdrug  traffickers,notoriouscriminals,ex-_FAd'H_,formerpoliceofficersaccusedofparticipationin  criminalactivitiesandpro-_Lavalas_Ԁgangmembers.Manyreportedlyre-establishedcontacts  withcriminalgangs.l(#(# 0  Theprisonbreakinvolvedthecomplicityof_HNP_Ԁprisonguards,high-ranking_HNP_Ԁofficers D! andcivilianprisonpersonnel.Drug-traffickersaretheprimarysuspectsforfinancingthe 0"  escape.Theincidentalsoseemedtoconfirmthe_reconfiguration_Ԁofsomeillegalarmed #l! groupsintonewalliancesinvolvingsomeformeranti-Aristidemilitarypersonnel, $X" pro-_Lavalas_Ԁarmedgangs,mixedtogetherwithdrugtraffickers.$D #(#(#  S 0  TowardstheendofMarch,thesecurityenvironmentinPort-au-Princebecameextremely &"% volatile,withalmostdailyincidents,includingtheshootingofan_HNP_Ԁofficerinfrontofthe '#& ministerofjustice'shomeandagrenadeattackagainstthepremisesoftheProvisional (#' ElectoralCouncil(_PEC_).On28March,threepeople,includingtwopolicemen,werekilled )$( byheavilyarmedindividualsbelievedtobemembersofagroupledby_Grenn_Ԁ_Sonnen_.The |*%) nextdayrepeatedshootingsinthe_Delmas_Ԁareaofthecapital(includingatthe_PEC_Ԁoffice) h+&* provokedwidespreadpanic.Thenewalliancebetween_Ravix_Ԁand_Grenn_Ԁ_Sonnen_Ԁ_--_  consideredunlikelyatfirstbecauseoftheirbackgrounds--wasshowntohavebeenbehind  theseacts,accordingtothetransitionalgovernment.The_HNP_Ԁofferedarewardfortheir  capture,and_Ravix_Ԁand_Grenn_Ԁ_Sonnen_Ԁwerekilledon9and10Aprilrespectivelyinthe t courseof_HNP_Ԁoperationssupportedby_MINUSTAH_.Sevenoftheirassociateswerekilled, ` eighteenwerearrested,andarms,ammunitionandpoliceuniformswereseized,reinforcing L  suspicionsthatsomegangsinthecapitalwerepretendingtobepolice.US.,UK.,=8 (#(#   X 0  However,theviolenceinthecapitalcontinuedaftertheirdeaths.Armedrobberiesand  ` _kidnappings_Ԁhavebecomecommonplaceandareespeciallyalarmingbecausetheyare  L  relativelynewtothecountry,andtherehasbeennoeffectiveresponsefromthe_HNP_Ԁor  8  _MINUSTAH_.The_kidnappings_Ԁappeartobebothcriminallyandpoliticallymotivated.$ (#(# 0  Haiti'sworstviolenceisconcentratedinthepoor_neighbourhoods_ԀofPort-au-Prince,such   as_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,BelAirandLaSalinewhererivalgangs_terrorise_Ԁthepopulationandposea   significantthreattothe_HNP_Ԁand_MINUSTAH_. (#(# 0  Armed"political"groups("_chimres_")andcriminalgangsaremostlyinthecapitaland p someprovincialcities.Manyareinterconnected,andrelationsbetweenthemareusually \ fluid.Sincethelargeruralmigrationtothemaincitiesofthe1980sand1990s,thepoor H _neighbourhoods_Ԁhavebeenaninexhaustibleresourcefortheurbangangs.Manyofthe 4 unemployedurbanyouthwhobecome"_chimres_"organg-membersarehiredthugswith  p littleideologicalorpoliticalcommitment;theyliveadesperatelifewithfewchoicesfor  \ survival,self-respectandincome.H(#(#  e` 0  EventhoughmostrecentviolencehasbeeninPort-au-Prince,therearealsoserious   concernsinsomeprovincialcities.Forexample,in_Gona5ves_,membersofthe_FRN_   (Frontde_Rsistance_ԀpourlaReconstruction_d'Ha5ti_)havekepttheirweaponsandturned  tocrime(includingcontroloftheport)tofinancetheiractivities.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ItisdifficulttoestimatetheexacttolloftheviolenceinthecapitalsinceSeptember2004: l theInter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRights(_IACHR_),basedoninformation X  providedbyHaitian_NGOs_,hasestimatedthatover600peoplehavebeenkilled.Other D! sourcesbelievetherealfigurecouldbehigher.0" (#(#  g 0  SincethebeginningofApril2005andinthewakeofaUNSecurityCouncilvisit, $X" _MINUSTAH_Ԁhastakenatougherstanceagainsttheurbangangs,especiallyin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_.$D #(#(# 0  [_MINUSTAH_s]campaigntohuntdowngangleadershasshownfewconcreteresults. %0!$ Frequentgunfightshaveledtothedeathsofnotonlygangmembersbutalsocivilians, &"% includingwomenandchildren.'#&(#(#  Wl 0  On20March2005,_MINUSTAH_ԀmilitaryanditscivilianFormedPoliceUnit(FPU) )$( conductedanimportantoperationtodriveanarmedgroup--comprisedmostlyofformer |*%) militarypersonnelandinsurgents--fromapolicestationinPetit-_Go ve_Ԁwhichtheyhad h+&* beenoccupyingsinceAugust2004.ASriLankanpeacekeeperandtwomembersofthe  armedgroupwerekilled;threeotherpeacekeepersandtenillegaloccupantswereinjured,  while27weredisarmed,capturedandhandedovertothe_HNP_.Alocaljournalistwas  injuredanddiedamonthlater.InaseparateincidentthesamedayinthePlateau-Central, t aNepaleseUNsoldierwaskilledinashoot-outwitharmedelements(probablyformer ` militarypersonnel)usinglocalresidentsasashield.Thefollowingday_MINUSTAH_ L  retookapolicestationinTerreRouge,believedtobeoccupiedbythesameindividuals 8  whohadattackeditstroopsthedaybefore.$ t(#(# 0  Inresponsetothesetwooperations,_Rmissainthe_Ԁ_Ravix_Ԁdeclaredhecontrolledthe  L  CentralPlateau,calledonhiscomradestotakeuparmsforaguerrillawar,andthreatened  8  toattack_MINUSTAH_Ԁpersonnel.JosephJean-Baptiste,self-proclaimedleaderofthe $  formermilitarythere,exhortedhismentoformguerrillaunitsandinfiltratethecivilian   populationsoastoattack_MINUSTAH_ԀandforceitoutofHaiti. (#(#   o 0  TheHaitianNationalPolicefacesacriticalsituation.Morethanoneyearafter   establishmentofthetransitionalgovernment,the_HNP_ԀseemsunabletoprotectHaiti's p citizensandasignificantnumberofitsagentscontinuetobedeeplyinvolvedinhuman \ rightsviolations,crime,includingviolenceagainstwomen,andcorruption.Itspoor H performancehashadaseriousnegativeimpactonthetransition,weakeningtheimageof 4 the_Latortue_Ԁgovernmentandcallingintoquestionitsabilitytoensurepeacefulelections. p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Manyfearthe_HNP_Ԁisincreasinglyasourceofcriminalviolence,ratherthananeffective H institutiontoreducecrimeandguaranteepublicsecurity.Thistrendhasacceleratedinthe 4 lastmonthsandthreatenstogeneratethesamehostilityincitizensthatdevelopedagainst   thearmyandcontributedtoitsdissolution.ThatwouldbearealtragedyforHaiti's   fledglingdemocracyandcouldspilloveronto_MINUSTAH_Ԁandespecially_CivPol_.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thepressureexertedbycriminalgroupsonthepoliceisreal,anditsimpactonthemorale  oftheforceshouldnotbeunderestimated.Morethan50officershavebeenkilledsince l March2004.However,frequentexcessiveuseofforce,includingallegedcasesof X  summaryexecutions,cannotbetolerated.Officersimplicatedinhumanrightsviolations D! actwithtotalimpunity,mostlybecausethe_HNP_'sInternalAffairsUnit(Inspection 0"  _Gnrale_)isnotfunctioning,duetolackofresourcesandpoliticalwill._CivPol_Ԁhas #l! acknowledged_HNP_Ԁresponsibilityforarbitrarykillingsbutnoeffectiveinvestigationsor $X" prosecutionshavetakenplace.$D #(#(#  v 0  Inthecapital'spoor_neighbourhoods_,thepolicenotonlyhavefailedtoregainpublictrust, &"% buttheyareincreasinglyperceivedasanaggressiveforce.The_HNP_Ԁseemstobe '#& _criminalising_Ԁmanyoftheurbanpoorthroughindiscriminatedeclarationsbysenior (#' officersandindiscriminaterepressiveoperationsintheslums.Thissamepatternappears )$( inthemedia,whichsystematicallyassociatesresidentsofpoor_neighbourhoods_Ԁwith |*%) _chimres_or,morecommonly,_chimres_Ԁ_Lavalas_.Membersofthebusinesselitehave h+&* _fuelled_Ԁthiscampaign,demandingatougherstancetowards"_chimres_Ԁ_Lavalas_",ignoring  thefactthatmanyothergangsalsoareengagedincriminal,violentand_destabilising_Ԁacts.  Repeatedkillingsduringpro-_Lavalas_Ԁdemonstrationshavebeenaconsequence.  Unfortunately,mostHaitianhumanrights_NGOs_Ԁhavenotbeenspokenoutaboutthese t abuses.`(#(# 0  Adifferentsituationseemstoprevailintheprovinces.Ruralpolicehaveabysmal 8  physicalresources,sothe_HNP_Ԁcanonlydosymbolicpolicing.Insomeregions,officers $ t reportedlydonotcarrygunsforfeartheywouldbestolen. `(#(#  g 0  Ofparticularconcernareincreasingreportsaboutreestablishmentinthecountrysideof  L  chefsdesection,aruralpoliceattachedtotheformer_FAd'H_Ԁanddisbandedin1991for  8  abuseofpowerandhumanrightsviolations.$ (#(#   <( 4 <DLX<0  UKUS.,#__ddTherehavebeenseveralallegationsserioushumanrightsabuseby_HNP_Ԁofficersoverthelastfew   monthsinPortauPrince: (#(#    #dd__US.,UK.,  0  Atleastfivepersonswereconfirmedkilledandfivewoundedafterpoliceshotat p demonstratorsinthe_Nazon_Ԁarea,neartheUNheadquarters,on27April.Accordingto \ localresidents,officersfromoneoftwo_HNP_Ԁvehiclesshotindiscriminately,killingat H leastfivedemonstrators.4(#(# 0   (#(# 0  On28February2005,duringapeacefuldemonstrationtocommemoratethefirst  \ anniversaryofAristide'sdeparture,policeallegedlyopenedfirewithoutreason,killingat H leasttwodemonstrators.TheSpecialRepresentativeoftheUNSecretaryGeneral(_SRSG_) 4 saidpubliclyafewdayslaterpolicebrutalitywashindering_stabilisation_,andtheUN   wouldnottolerateit.HewarnedthatUNsoldierswoulduseforceifneededwheneverthe   _HNP_Ԁfiredonunarmedcivilians.TheMinisterofJusticeangrilyaccused_MINUSTAH_Ԁof  protecting_chimres_.(#(# 0  Sixyoungmenwereallegedlykilledon25FebruarywhenpoliceenteredalleysinRueSt l MartinandRue_Tiremasse_,BelAir,shootingwidely.Victimsallegedlyincludeda X  homelessman,afootballtrainerforpoorchildreninthe_neighbourhood_Ԁandastreet D! vendor.0" (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thekillingsrevealsomepatternsintheidentityofthevictims,thelocationsofthe $X" incidents,theidentityoftheallegedperpetrators,themethodsusedandtheabsenceof $D # officialresponses.Whileseveralwerekilledwhiledemonstrating,manywerekilledfor %0!$ noobviousreasonexceptthattheyhappenedtoliveinthose_neighbourhoods_.Thepolice &"% accusedwereoftenwearingblackuniformsalthoughinsomecases,riotpolice(_CIMO_) '#& wearingdesertcamouflageuniformswerealsoallegedlyinvolved.Thegovernment's (#' response,mostlyfromthepolicespokesperson,hasconsistentlybeeneithertodenythe )$( incidentsordescribethevictimsasbanditskilledduringanexchangeofgunfire. @!  @!  @!  @!  @! |*%)(#(# 0  h+&*(#(# 0  Therehasbeennoofficialorotherinvestigationintothekillings,onereasonbeingthatno  casehasbeenfiled.Relativesareoftentooafraid,convincedtheywouldfacereprisals.  Theydonotbelievethattheycandenouncepoliceofficersgiventhecultureofimpunity  inthecountry.t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Policeabuseshavealienatedthe_HNP_Ԁfromthese_neighbourhoods_Ԁandincrease L  frustration,angerandsenseofpersecution.Residentsbelievethe_HNP_Ԁistryingto 8  eliminatethem,inparticularyoungmales.Thetermpeopleinthese_neighbourhoods_Ԁuse $ t whentheyseethepoliceis_assaillants_.Moreover,theyfeeltheyarebeingdiscriminated  ` againstandunfairlytargeted.Theyareparticularlyangrythatthepressandthepolice  L  spokespersonindiscriminatelyrefertoallthosekilledbypoliceasbandits,commenting  8  thatifinnocentciviliansarekilledandsubsequentlyaccusedofbeingbandits,then,by $  implication,allresidentsoftheslumarebeinggroupedinthesamecategory. @   @   @   @   (#(#    `    0  Almost200formermilitarywereintegratedintothepoliceinJanuary2005without   properscreeningortraining.Bearinginmindthehumanrightsrecordoftheformer   military,thiswasaseriousmistakethatmustbereversed.Accordingtoaleading_NGO_ p representative,manyofthekillingsandsummaryexecutionsinpro-Aristideslumsare \ believedtohavebeencarriedoutbyex-soldierswhobecamepolice8.Thevictimsare H sometimeskilledwiththeirhandstiedorbehindtheirhead.4(#(# __0  Despitemorethanadecadeofinternationalcooperationandnationalinitiatives,the  \ justicesystemiscompletelydysfunctional.Overthelastdecade,donorshaveinvested H considerableresourcesinitsreformthroughseveral,notalwayswellcoordinated 4 projects.Nevertheless,accordingtoarecentreport:TherespectforruleoflawinHaiti   hasfallentoitslowestpointsince1994.Thepoliceandjudiciaryfailtoguarantee   securityandjustice,andtheincapacityofthecourtsresultsindefactoguiltyverdictsfor  manyofthosearraignedandincarcerated,aspre-trialdetentionperiodsmaylastfor  years.(#(# Ѐ__ l 0  Morethan95percentofthosedescribedaboveareinpreventivedetentioninclear X  violationofHaitianlawandinternationalhumanrightscovenantsrequiringdueprocess. D! Thefactthatseveral_Lavalas_Ԁsupporterscontinuetobedetainedwithoutspecifiedcharges 0"  isanotherexampleofthenon-functioningofthejusticesystem,furtherunderminingthe #l! imageofthetransitionalgovernment.$X"(#(# __0  TheprolongeddetentionofformerPrimeMinister_Yvon_ԀNeptuneisalltootypical.He %0!$ hasnotyetbeenarraignedbeforetheSaintMarcmagistratewhoinMarch2004signed &"% thearrestwarrantonchargesthathemastermindedamasskillinginSt.Marcthe '#& previousmonth.(#'(#(# __0  Neptune'sprolongedpre-trialdetentionisalsorepresentativeofthepoliticalandpartisan |*%) useofjusticebythecurrentgovernment.Theministerofjustice'sdecisionsinthiscase h+&* seemdrivenmorebypoliticsthanrespectfortheruleoflaw.Thefrustrationand  impotenceoftheinternationalcommunity--despitestrongcriticisms--areyetanother  clearexampleofitsproblematicrelationshipwithgovernmentalauthoritieswhichhave  pursuednarrowandpartisaninterests.Whilethe_Latortue_ԀgovernmentinsiststheHaitian t statecannolongerbeheldresponsibleforhumanrightsviolations,theseclaimsconflict ` withthefacts.The_HNP_'sseriousabuses,continuingimpunityandtotallackofdue L  processareonlyexamplesofahumanrightssituationdescribedas"appalling"by 8  AmnestyInternationalandalarmingbytheUNSecretaryGeneral.$ t(#(# 0  AnothercontroversialdecisionwastheSupremeCourt'sreversalon21April2005ofthe  L  convictionsoffourteenmilitaryandparamilitaryleadersfortheirrolesinthe_Raboteau_  8  massacre.TheCourtquashedtheconvictionsofthefourteenontechnicalgrounds.The $  trial,despiteminorirregularities,hadbeenconsideredfairandwaspraisedasalandmark   inthefightagainstimpunity.Aformer_Lavalas_ԀsenatorcommentedthattheCourt's   judgementshowsthatthecurrentgovernmentispartisan,revengeful,hatefulandnot   seriousaboutjustice.PrimeMinister_Latortue_Ԁdeniedresponsibilitybutitisunlikely   suchanimportantdecisionwouldhavebeentakenindependentlybytheCourtgiventhe p judiciary'ssubmissivenesstotheexecutive.\(#(#    `  "3!"  3J2#  34  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti:Obliteratingjustice,overturningofsentencesfor 4 _Raboteau_ԀmassacrebySupremeCourtisahugestepbackwards,(May26,2005).  p http://_web.amnesty.org_/library/Index/ENGAMR360062005?open&of=ENG-3513Jw݌ \(#(# Ќ   0  On3May2005,theSupremeCourtofHaiti(_Cour_ԀdeCassation)quashedthesentences 4 of15formermilitariesandmembersoftheparamilitaryorganization_FRAPH_Ԁ(Frontfor   theAdvancementandProgressofHaiti)fortheirinvolvementinthe1994_Raboteau_   massacre.(#(# 0  Noneofthefifteenmenwereinprisonwhentheirsentenceswerequashed,sinceonewas  deceasedandtheothershadreportedlyescapedfromprison.Theyhadbeenconvictedon l 9November2000followingasixweektrialbyjuryattheCriminalTribunalof X  _Gona5ves_.Theyweresentencedtotermsrangingfromfouryearstolifeimprisonmentina D! trialthatwasobservedbynationalandinternationalmonitors,includingofficialsfromthe 0"  UnitedNationsInternationalCivilianSupportMissioninHaiti(MICAH).TheUN #l! SpecialRapporteurandIndependentExpertonHaitiin2000,Mr._Adama_Ԁ_Dieng_, $X" qualifiedthetrialasalandmarkforjusticeinHaitiandwelcomedthefairnessand $D # transparencyofthetrial.Thejury'sverdictwasconfirmedbytheSupremeCourton17 %0!$ November2000.&"%(#(# 0  Afurtherthirty-sevendefendantswhohadleftthecountryfailedtoappearfortrialand (#' wereconvictedinabsentiabythetrialjudgeon16November2000andsentencedtolife )$( imprisonment.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  AmnestyInternationalisconcernedthattheSupremeCourt'srulingof3May2005is  politicallymotivatedsincetheuseofthe29March1928lawtoquashthetrialsentence  appearstobeincontradictionoftheConstitution.Theorganizationbelievesthatthis  constitutesamajorsetbackinthefightagainstimpunityinHaitiandamajorobstaclefor t thevictims'familiestoobtainredress.GiventhecurrentpoliticalsituationinHaitiand ` thehighdegreeofinsecurity,itismostunlikelythatwitnesseswouldcomeforwardto L  testifyagainifthereisanothertrialforthe_Raboteau_Ԁmassacre.8 (#(# 0  _Raboteau_Ԁisaheavily-populatedshantytownin_Gona5ves_,_Artibonite_Ԁdepartment.  ` Throughouttheperiodofthedefactomilitarygovernment,from1991to1994,itwas  L  particularlytargetedforrepressionbythearmyandparamilitarybecauseofitsactivist  8  pastandthestrongsupportofitsinhabitantsforoustedpresidentJean-BertrandAristide. $  Asaresultofajointmilitaryandparamilitaryoperationanestimated20peoplelosttheir   livesbetween18and22April1994aftertheyweresurroundedandattacked.Homeswere   sackedandburned,andmen,womenandchildrenbeaten. (#(#    `     h     "3""  3y2#  35  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti:Healthconcern/legalconcern,_Yvon_ԀNeptune,(May p 6,2005).48 O  5  Hhttp://www.amnesty.ie/user/content/view/full/3774/6Oasa  7ia,3y݌\(#(# Ќ  0  Haiti'sformerPrimeMinister,_Yvon_ԀNeptune,isreportedlyina"dangerouslyweakened 4 condition"afteralmostthreeweeksonhungerstrike. p(#(# 0  NeptunewasPrimeMinisterinthegovernmentofPresidentAristide,whowasdeposed H inFebruary2004.Hewasimprisonedon27June2004followingallegationsthathehad 4 beeninvolvedinplanningthekillingofgovernmentopponentsintheLa_Scierie_Ԁdistrict   ofthetownofSt-Marc,inFebruary2004.After10monthsinjail,heisstillnotknownto   havebeenformallychargedorbroughtbeforeajudge,despitethefactthatHaiti's  constitutionrequiresanyonearrestedbebroughtbeforeajudgewithin48hours.(#(# 0  TheactingSecretaryGeneralofthe_Organisation_ԀofAmericanStates(OAS),Luigi l _Einaudi_,hassuggestedthecreationofajointHaitian-internationalcommissiontotryto X  rapidlyresolvethecaseof_Yvon_ԀNeptuneasithasnowreachedadeadlockwhichcould D! resultinNeptune'sdeath.0" (#(# 0  AmnestyInternationalhasrepeatedlycalledupontheInterimGovernmentofHaitito $X" abidebyitsownconstitution,aswellasinternationaltreatiesconcerningtherighttoafair $D # trial.ItnowalsosupportsthesuggestionoftheSecretaryGeneraloftheOASofa %0!$ Haitian-internationalcommissioninordertoresolvethiscasewhich,inthewordsof &"% Ambassador_Einaudi_,has"seriousmoralandpoliticalimplicationsfortheHaitian '#& governmentandfortheinternationalcommunity".(#'(#(# 0  MorethanayearafteratransitionalgovernmentwasinstalledinHaiti,withUS-led |*%) militarysupport,followingtheoustingofPresidentJean-BertrandAristidebyanarmed h+&* rebellion,thehumanrightssituationinthecountryisstillappalling.Although_Yvon_  Neptune'scasehasgainedthehighestprofile,heisonlyoneofanumberofpeople  detainedwithouttrialinHaiti.(#(#  "3#"  3"2#  36  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti!acountryincrisis,(May1,2005). ` http://_web.amnesty.org_/library/Index/ENGACT600102005?open&of=ENG-2M53"O݌L (#(# Ќ   0  In1990,afterseveralshort-livedgovernments_characterised_Ԁbywidespreadand $ t systematichumanrightsviolations,Haitiheldwhatindependentobserverscalleditsfirst  ` trulyfreeandfairelectionsforpresident,wonbyJean-BertrandAristide,thenapopular  L  RomanCatholicpriestfromanimpoverishedparishintheslumsofthecapital,  8  Port-au-Prince.Hehadonlybeeninofficeforsevenmonthswhenhewasoverthrownby $  thearmy,whosetuparepressivemilitarygovernment.TheUSmilitaryintervenedin   1994torestoreAristidetopower. (#(# 0  Asrequiredbytheconstitution,Aristidestooddownafterhissecondterm(thoughhehad   spentmostofhisfirstterminexile)andwassucceededin1996byanothercandidate p fromhis_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_Ԁparty,_Ren_Ԁ_Preval_.However,hestoodagainin2000,andwon, \ butthevoteinthisandearlierSenateelectionswasdisputed.Aristide'ssupport,athome H andabroad,begantocollapse.InJanuary2004theparliamentarianselectedin2000came 4 totheendoftheirterms:someoppositionpartiesrefusedtotakepartinnewelections  p whilstAristideremainedinpower,soAristidebegantorulebydecree.Violentopposition  \ tohimspreadwithinhisformerpowerbaseintheurbanslums.Rebelsledbyformer H officersfromthepoliceandmembersofthearmy,whichhadbeendisbandedbyAristide 4 in1995,seizedcontrolofmuchofthecountry,andastheythreatenedtoadvanceon   Port-au-Princeandremovethepresidentbyforce,hefledthecountryindisputed   circumstancesonaUSmilitaryaircraft.(#(# 0  FollowingthedepartureofAristideon29February,thePresidentofHaiti'sSupreme  Court,_Boniface_ԀAlexandre,wasimmediatelynamedprovisionalpresident.Thesameday, l aUNforceofCanadian,FrenchandChileantroops,underUSmilitarycommand,began X  athree-monthmissiontorestoreorderinthecountry.Itwasknownasthe"Multinational D! InterimForce"(_MIF_).On9March,_Grard_Ԁ_Latortue_ԀwasappointedinterimPrime 0"  Ministerafterhewaschosenbyaseven-member"CounciloftheWise"(_Conseil_Ԁdes #l! Sages)whoactas_counsellors_Ԁtothetransitionalgovernmentintheabsenceofthe $X" parliament._Latortue_Ԁisnowinchargeofforminganewgovernmentof"nationalunity" $D # whichwillbeputinplacefollowingtheelectionsthatarescheduledtorunfromOctober %0!$ toDecemberthisyear.&"%(#(# 0  InJune2004,theUnitedNationsStabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_)tookover (#' fromthe_MIF_Ԁandbeganthedeploymentof1622UNcivilianpoliceand6700military.It )$( hasamandatetosupportthetransitionalgovernmentbyensuringasecureandstable |*%) environmentforthepoliticalprocesstotakeplaceandassistinmonitoring,restructuring h+&* andreformingtheHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_).(#(# 0  Thetransitionalgovernmenthasmadelittletangibleprogresstowardsprotectinghuman  rightssinceittookofficeandthepeacekeepingmissionarrivedinHaiti.Armedgroups, t includingmembersoftheformermilitary,havenotbeendisarmedandexerciseeffective ` controlinsometowns. Civiliansaredyingeverydayduringconfrontationsbetween L  armedgroupsandcriminalgangs,andinunlawfulpoliceoperations. Haitiscurrent <  humanrightssituationcouldworsenintherun-uptothisyear'selections., |(#(# 0  Hundredsofpeoplehavebeendetainedwithoutchargeortrial;themostprominentis  T  formerPrimeMinister_Yvon_ԀNeptune._Yvon_ԀNeptuneturnedhimselfintothepolicein  @  June2004afterhewasaccusedbyalocalhumanrightsorganizationofmasterminding ,  thekillingsofoppositionpartisansinthetownofSaint-Marcon11Februarythatyear.   Hehasnowspentnearlyayearinprison,withoutanyformalchargeshavingbeenlaid   againsthim.NeptunebeganahungerstrikeinAprilandhishealthhasdeteriorated   steadily.However,thetransitionalgovernmentandoutsideobservershavemaintaineda   closewatchonhishealth.Heisnowreportedlydrinkingwaterfortifiedwithsugar,salt x andvitamins.Moreimportantly,Neptunewasfinallybroughtbeforeajudgeon25May d 2005,althoughhewasapparentlynotaccompaniedbyalawyer.P(#(# 0  Anotherworryingtrendhasbeenthe_HNP_'sfrequentuseofexcessiveforceagainst (x civilians.Therehavebeenseveralincidentswhereofficersofthe_HNP_Ԁhaveshotand d killedpeopleinvolvedinpeacefuldemonstrations:inFebruary2005twopeoplewere P killedinthisway,andinAprilfivepeoplewereshotdeadatanapparentlypeaceful < demonstrationby_Lavalas_Ԁpartysupporters.Severalotherswerehitandlaterdiedfrom ( theirinjuries.(#(#  "3$"  32#  37  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict  developmentsinHaiti,(May2005).  http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun t try_=46&_cw_date_=3"݌` (#(# Ќ  0  Bloodyclashespittingpeacekeepersandpoliceagainstex-soldiersandgangsintensified. 8"  Fivekilledduringpro-Aristidedemonstration27April;policeclaimedreturnedfire, $#t! otherssaidpolicefiredwithoutprovocation.UNtroopsandHaitianpolicecarriedout $`" jointoperationinPort-au-Princeslum,killingupto10gangmembers,includingsuspect $L # infatalshootingofFilipinopeacekeeper.Policekilledformersoldier_Remissainthe_ %8!$ _Ravix_,whohelpedoustformerpresidentAristide,andnotoriousgangleader_Grenn_ &$"% _Sonnen_.UNSecurityCouncilfact-findingmissionsuggested_MINUSTAH_Ԁlikelytobe '#& reinforcedbyadditionalcivilianpolice;currentmandateexpiresJune.Voterregistration (#' campaignstarted25Aprilthoughhamperedbylogisticaldifficulties.NationalDialogue )$( processlaunchedbyinterimpresident7April;Aristidesformerparty_Lavalas_Ԁandother *%) keycivilsocietygroupsrefusedtotakepart. p+&*(#(# Ї"3%"  32#  38  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti:NationalPolicemustbeheldaccountableforkillings  ofcivilians,(April29,2005).  http://_www.amnesty.ca_/_resource_centre_/news/_view.php?load_=_arcview_&article=2443  &c=Resource+_Centre_+News3 ݌t(#(# Ќ  0  Theuseoflethalandindiscriminateviolencebythepolicetodisperseandrepress L  demonstratorsonlyservestoincreasetensioninanalreadyviolence-torncountry,said 8  AmnestyInternationaltodayasitcondemnedtherepressionagainst_Lavalas_ԀParty $ t supportersbyHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_)officersinPort-au-Princeon27April. `(#(# 0  Accordingtoreports,policeofficersopenedfireagainst_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters  8  demonstratingneartheUnitedNationsMissionheadquartersinBourdon,Port-au-Prince.$ (#(# 0  Atleast5peoplediedduringthedemonstrationand4othersarereportedtohavedied   lateronasaconsequenceoftheirwounds.Severaldemonstratorsandbystanderswere   alsoinjured. (#(# 0  Therepressionofthispeacefuldemonstrationisnotanisolatedcase.Theinsecurityand \ ongoingconfrontationwitharmedgroupsshouldnotbeusedasapretexttocrackdown H ondemonstratorsandtherighttofreedomofexpressionandassociation,Amnesty 4 Internationalsaid. p(#(# 0  Wefearanescalationofviolenceastheelectoralprocessisunderwayandcallonall H sidesinthecurrentpoliticalcrisis,includingthepoliceforce,tomakeeffortstoresolve 4 theirdifferencespeacefully,saidAmnestyInternational. (#(# 0  Intherun-uptolocalandpresidentialelections,theflareofincreasedpoliticalviolence  islatentastheimplementationofamuchneededcomprehensiveprogramfor  disarmament,demobilizationandreintegrationisinexcusablydelayed.(#(# 0  MorethanayearafteratransitionalgovernmentwasputinplaceinHaiti,followingthe X  oustingofformerPresidentJean-BertrandAristidebyanarmedrebellion,thehuman D! rightssituationhasdeterioratedgravely.SinceSeptember2004,theviolencehas 0"  escalatedtoworryingproportionsandthenumberofvictimsaccordingtorecentreports #l! exceeds600despitethepresenceofanearly7,000strongUNcontingentmandatedto $X" securethecountryandprotectthepopulation.NationalPoliceofficershavebeen $D # reportedlyinvolvedinseveralsummaryandunlawfulkillingsthatstillremainunresolved %0!$ andwhoseperpetratorshavenotyetbeenheldaccountable.&"%(#(#    ` "3&"  32#  39  .3  0    AmnestyInternational, Haiti:Fearforsafety/Excessiveuseofforce,(April29, (#' 2005). )$( http://www2._amnesty.de_/internet/_deall.nsf_/0/75c47243ab5a5fd7c1256ff20063adba?O |*%) penDocument3$݌h+&*(#(# Ќ  0  HaitianNationalPoliceofficers(_HNP_)reportedlyusedliveammunitionagainst_Lavalas_  supportersastheypeacefullydemonstratedneartheUnitedNations(UN)Mission  headquartersinBourdon,Port-au-Princeon27April.Atleast5peoplewerereportedly t killedandscoresofotherswounded.`(#(# 0  On27April,demonstratorswerereportedlymarchingpeacefullytowardstheUNMission 8  headquarters,whentheyweretargetedbymasked_HNP_Ԁofficerswearingblackandblue $ t uniforms.Thepoliceofficerswhowere_travelling_Ԁinthreepolicevehiclesallegedly  ` openedfireonthoseattheendofthemarch.Atleast5peoplewerekilledatthesite,  L  while4othersreportedlydiedlaterfromtheirwounds.Severalotherpeople,including  8  demonstratorsandbystanderswerewounded.$ (#(# 0  Itisbelievedthatalackofsupervisionofthedemonstrationbyofficialsbelongingtothe   UnitedNationsStabilizationMissioninHaiti(_MINUSTAH_)andtheexcessiveuseof   forcebymembersofthe_HNP_Ԁresultedinthetragiceventsof27April._HNP_Ԁofficershave   reportedlybeeninvolvedinseveralsummaryandunlawfulkillingsthatstillremain p unresolvedandwhoseperpetratorshavenotbeenheldaccountabletothisday.\(#(#  "3'"  32#  40  .3  0    BBCNews, PolicekillfiveatHaitiprotest,(April28,2005). 4 4 O  5  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4492911.stm6Ocom  7edf33+݌ p(#(# Ќ  0  PolicehaveopenedfireondemonstratorsinthecapitalofHaiti,Port-au-Prince,killingat H leastfivepeople,witnessesandofficialssaid.4(#(# Ѐ0  Policesaidtheyhadbeenshotatbygunmeninthecrowdandreturnedfire. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Butsomeoftheprotestersdisputedthataccount,sayingtherewerenoshotsfromthe  crowd.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Haitiispreparingforelectionslaterthisyeartoreplaceitsinterimgovernment,buthas X  beenwrackedwithviolenceforthelast14months.D!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Peoplefledtheareabutgunfirecontinuednearbyforsomehours.#l!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheUSadmittedthismonththatithadsuppliedweaponstoHaiti'ssecurityforcesdespite $D # anembargo-anditisthoughttobeconsideringmakingfurthershipments.%0!$(#(# 0   (#(# 0  USandHaitianofficialssaythepoliceneedgreaterfirepowertocontainrampantpolitical '#& andgangviolenceinthecountry-butcriticshaveaccusedthepoliceofbrutality.(#'(#(# 0  0` (#(#0 ` (#` (#   (# (# "3("  322#  41  .3  0    BBCNews, UNadmitsHaitineedsmorework,(April16,2005). |*%) 4edO  5  Qhttp://newswww.bbc.net.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4452829.stm6O*com  7edjh32_݌h+&*(#(# Ќ  0  AUnitedNationsdelegationhasendedafour-dayvisittoHaitiwithanadmissionthat  littleprogresshasbeenmadetowardsrestoringpeace.0(#(#(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ArmedgangsclashedwithUNtroops,killingoneFilipinopeacekeeper,asdelegates ` touredtheislandthisweek.L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  HaitiisscheduledtoholddemocraticelectionsinNovember,buttheUNsaiddoubts $ t remainedoverpollsecurity. `(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AUNforcewasdeployedtoHaitiwhenformerPresidentJean-BertrandAristidewas  8  oustedinarebellionlastyear.$ (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Betweenfiveand10armedciviliansdiedonFridayinthehour-longgunbattlewithUN   troopsandHaitiansecurityforces,aUNmilitaryspokesmansaidinHaiti'scapital,   Port-au-Prince. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  "OneyearaftertheUNarrived,securityhasdegraded,the_socio_-economicconditionhas \ degraded,confidenceinthegovernmenthaseroded,"he[oppositionpoliticianGerard H Blot]toldtheAssociatedPress. 4(#(# "3)"  3n2#  42  .3  0    BBCNews,ClaireMarshall, FearandfrustrationinHaiti,(April16,2005).  \ 4edO  5  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4451921.stm6^Orcom  7edf3n݌H(#(# Ќ  0  Here[intheoldcommercialcenterofPortauPrince],nearlyayearaftertheUNmission   beganinHaiti,thereisnotmuchrespectforwhatithasachieved. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  ManypeoplewanttheiroustedPresidentJeanBertrandAristideback.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  [InthetownofSt.Marc]thereisanequalamountoffrustration.Justoverayearago, l beforeJeanBertrandAristidewasforcedtofleeintoexile,dozensofpeoplewerekilled X  bypro-Aristidemilitiagroups.D!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Onadustystreetnotfarfromthedecayingmainsquare,peoplewhosurvivedtheattack #l! stillvividlyrememberit.$X"(#(# 0   (#(# 0  _Narcisse_ԀMarcArielspeakswithaprofoundstammer,andhasanervoustickintheside %0!$ ofhisface.&"%(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Iwasassaulted,mymother'shousewasburnedtothegroundandmycousinwaskilled, (#' hesays.Ihadtofleethearea.)$((#(# 0   (#(# 0  Ilosteverythingandamnowhavingtohavepsychiatrictreatment.h+&*(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Wehaven'tbeengivenanyreparations.Thepeoplewhodidthisarestillfree.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Theinsecurityismuchworse.t(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheUNSecurityCouncildelegation,onitsvisittoHaiti,hasexperiencedhowvolatile L  thecountrystillis.8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Betweenfiveand10peoplewerekilledintheslumofCite_Soleil_Ԁafterapeacekeeping  ` missionencounteredarmedresistance. L (#(#  "3*"  3!2#  43  .3  0    BBCNews, PolicekillHaitianrebelleader,(April9,2005). $  4edO  5  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4429223.stm6|"O"  78"3!!݌ (#(# Ќ  0  Haitianpolicehavekilledaprominentrebelleaderinasuburbofthecapital,Portau   Prince. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  _Ravix_Ԁ_Remissainthe_Ԁwasoneofthekeyfiguresinathree-weekuprisingthatousted \ formerPresidentJean-BernardAristide.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  _Ravix_ԀwaswantedbypoliceinconnectionwiththemurderoffourofficersinFebruary  p andseveralotherattacksonpolicestations. \(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Rivalarmedgangsarestilloutofcontrolintheviolence-riddencountry.4(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Groupsofex-soldiersarestillincontrolofseveraltownsinthecountryside. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thegunbattlethatledtohisdeathstartedwhenpolicespottedagroupofmenfleeingin  anindustrialareaofthecapital.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheAFPnewsagencyreportedthatthreeofhissupportershadbeenkilledwithhimin X  thecourseofthestand-off.D!(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AGeneva-basedresearchgroup,theSmallArmsSurvey,hasrecently_criticised_ԀtheUN #l! peacekeepingforceinHaitifornotdoingenoughtodisarmrivalgangs.$X"(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Itwarnedthatifarmedgroupsarenotpermanently_demilitarised_,thecountry's"vicious %0!$ circle"willcontinue.&"%(#(#  "3+"  3+2#  44  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup, Re:UpdateonHaiti,MemorandumtoMembersof (#' theUnitedNationsSecurityCouncilMissiontoHaiti,(April8,2005). )$( 4edO  5  "http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3371&l=16,O,  7\9-3++݌|*%)(#(# Ќ   h+&* 0  Theincreasinglynegativeroleplayedbythetransitionalgovernment,backedbykey  sectorsoftheHaitiansociety,raiseseriousquestionsaboutitscapacitytofulfilbasicstate  functions.Theabsenceofresponsetomountingallegationsofhumanrightsviolationsby  theHaitianNationalPolice(_HNP_),apartisanjusticeministry,widespreadcorruption, t armedurbangangsandmixedsignalstowardsthedisarmamentoftheformerHaitian ` armedforces,theex-_FAdH_ԀconstituteseriousobstaclestothesuccessoftheUN L  peacekeepingmission.8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  UnitsoftheHaitianNationalPolicerepeatedlyhaveengagedinarbitraryuseofforceand  ` summaryexecutionswithnoeffectiveinvestigationorprosecutionofthoseresponsible. L (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Particularlyfollowingthe19February2005escapeofprisonersfromtheNational $  Penitentiary,thesecuritysituationhasdeterioratedtodangerouslevels,particularlyinthe   capital.Armedurbangangs,manystillrunbyex-Aristidesupporters,othersby   opponents,dominatetheslumsofPort-au-Princeandpresentamajorsecuritythreat.   Manyofthesegangsarebeingmanipulatedbysectors(partisanpolitical,including   _Lavalas_Ԁhard-liners,businesselite,drugs)thathaveaclearinterestinpostponingthe p elections.The_politicised_Ԁcapitaloftwomillionpeoplepresentsoneofthemajor \ challengesto_MINUSTAH_Ԁinbalancingtherequirementforpublicorder,publicsafety, H andtherightofpoliticalexpression.Withmuchofthe_HNP_Ԁseenasanti-_Lavalas_Ԁand 4 muchoftheurbanpoorseenasthe_centre_Ԁofremaining_Lavalas_Ԁsympathy,_MINUSTAH_  p hasbecomeacrucialindependentthirdparty. p    \(#(# 0   (#(# 0  _HNP_Ԁresponsibilityforarbitrarykillingshasbeenacknowledgedby_CIVPOL_Ԁand 4 _MINUSTAH_Ԁbutnoeffectiveinvestigationsorprosecutionshavetakenplace.The_HNP_   itselfisundertremendouspressure.Morethan50policeofficialsarereportedkilled   sinceMarch2004.   h (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Asecondmajorsecuritythreatisthearmedex-_FAd'H_ԀoutsidePort-au-Prince.  _MINUSTAH_'sfailureoverthepastyeartorootthemouthasmadetheprocessnowmore l complex.Threeweeksago,_MINUSTAH_Ԁtookovertwopolicestationsillegallyoccupied X  byformermilitaryintwoprovincialtowns(Terre-RougeincentralHaiti,andPetit-_Goave_ D! southofPort-au-Prince).Several_MINUSTAH_Ԁpeacekeeperswerekilledalongwith 0"  severalex-_FAd'H_.Theincidentssparkedawaveofviolenceinthecapitalafterradical #l! sectorsoftheex-_FAd'H_Ԁapparentlyretaliatedwithurbanguerrillaactionsagainst $X" _MINUSTAH_Ԁandthetransitionalgovernment. $D #(#(#    `    "3,"  3>2#  45  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict &"% developmentsinHaiti.(April2005). '#& http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun (#' try_=46&_cw_date_=3>?݌)$((#(# Ќ  0  _ Two_ԀUNpeacekeeperskilled20Marchinseparateclasheswithdisbandedarmysoldiers h+&* inPetit-_Go ve_ԀandCentralPlateauRegion.Peacekeepersraidedoccupiedpolicestation  inTerre-Rougetownwithoutcasualtiesnextday.Raidsfollowmonthsofcriticismfor  UNinactiontowardarmedformersoldiers/gangs;UN_SRSG_ԀJuanGabriel_Valds_Ԁsaid  UNMissionpreparedtotaketoughactionfollowingpeacekeeperdeaths.U.S.Defense t Sec._Rumsfeld_Ԁraiseddoubtsaboutautumnelectionsduetosecurityconcerns.Reportsof ` policebrutalityandsummaryexecutionspersisted,whilearmedgangscontinuedto L  spreadviolenceincapital. 8 (#(# "3-"  3=E2#  46  .3  0    BBCNews, UNpeacekeeperskilledinHaiti(21March2005).  ` 4 O  5  W-http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4367069.stm6FO0Felec  7 fnF3=EjE݌ L (#(# Ќ  0  GunbattlesinHaitibetweenUNtroopsandrebelshaveleftfourpeopledead,including $  twopeacekeepers. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Therebels-mostlyformertroops-helpedtooustPresidentJean-BertrandAristidefrom   power,buthavesinceturnedagainsttheinterimgovernment. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Theformersoldierscontrollargepartsofthecountryandareakeycauseofinstability, \ theBBC'sClaireMarshallsays.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheyhavenotbeenpaidsincethearmywasdisbandedbyMrAristidein1995. p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thedecommissionedtroopsaredemandingcompensationfromtheinterimgovernment H asarewardfortheirpartintherebellionwhichtoppledtheformerpresidentlastyear.4(#(# 0   (#(# 0  OurcorrespondentsaysSunday'sraidsbyUNforcesareasignthatthemissionistrying   tosolvetheproblemoftheformersoldiersbyforce. (#(# "3."  3L2#  47  .3  0    LeMonde, _Climat_Ԁdetensionen_Ha5ti_Ԁpourlepremier_anniversaire_Ԁdu_dpart_  _d'Aristide_,1ermars2005.LeMonde, ClimateofTensioninHaitiforthefirst l anniversaryofAristidesDeparture,(March1,2005).3LL݌X (#(# Ќ      0  _Lundi_,lapolicea_dispers_Ԁparlaforce_une_Ԁmanifestationdepartisansde_l'ancien_ 0"  _prsident_,_tuant_Ԁau_moins_Ԁdeux_personnes_,_sous_Ԁ_les_Ԁ_yeux_Ԁdescasquesbleusdela #l! _Minustah_.$X"(#(# 0  OnMonday,thepoliceusedforcetodisperseademonstrationofformerpresidents %0!$ supporters,killingatleasttwopersons,undertheveryowneyesoftheBluesHelmetsof &"% _MINUSTAH_.'#&(#(#  "3/"  3R2#  48  .3  0    HarvardLawSchoolHumanRightsProgramandGlobalJusticeCenter, Keeping )$( thePeaceinHaiti?AnAssessmentoftheUnitedNationsStabilizationMissionin |*%) HaitiUsingCompliancewithitsPrescribedMandateasaBarometerforSuccess, h+&* (March2005).3RS݌(#(# Ќ  0  Alittleoverayearsinceinternationalpressureandanarmedrebellionforcedthe  departureofPresidentJeanBertrandAristideandthecollapseofhisgovernment,Haitiis t atriskofbecomingapermanentfailedstate.ThepresenceoftheUnitedNations( _U.N_) ` peacekeepingforce,establishedthreemonthsafterAristidescontroversialouster,has L  donelittletoestablishstability,protectthepopulace,orcurbhumanrightsviolations. 8  Thisreportcritiquestheperformanceofthatpeacekeepingforce,theUnitedNations $ t StabilizationMissioninHaiti( _MINUSTAH_),bydocumentingitsfailuretoeffectuate  ` notonlytheoverridingspiritbuteventheplaintermsofitsmandate. L (#(# 0  U.N.SecurityCouncilResolution1542established_MINUSTAH_ԀonJune1,2004and $  endowedthemissionwithastrongmandateinthreeprincipalareas:providingasecure   andstableenvironment,particularlythroughdisarmament;supportingthepolitical   processandgoodgovernanceinpreparationforupcomingelections;andmonitoringand   reportingonhumanrights.Asthisreportdetails,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasmadelittle,ifany,   progressonanyofthese_tjree_Ԁfronts.Althoughpartiallyaconsequenceoftheslow p deploymentofforcesandpersonnel,_MINUSTAH_sfailuresarelargelytheresultofthe \ timidinterpretationofitsmandatebyitsofficials.Evennow,staffedinfull,the H peacekeepingforcecontinuestointerpretitsmandatecomplacentlyandwitha 4 narrownessunfitforthesituationontheground. p(#(# 0  Aftereightmonthsunder_MINUSTAH_swatch,Haitiisasinsecureasever. H _MINUSTAH_Ԁhasfailedeventobegintoimplementacomprehensiveprogramfor 4 disarmament,leavinglargepocketsofthecountryeffectivelyruledbyillegalgroupswith   gunsandotherweapons.CiviliancasualtiesremaincommoninPortauPrincesslums,   wheregangswagedaily,lowlevelurbanwarfare.Largeswathsofthepoorcountryside  remainunderthecontroloftheformermilitary,historicallythemajordomesticforce  behindcoups_detats_andamongtheforemostviolatorsofhumanrights.(#(# 0  Intheareaofhumanrights,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasbeenequallylax.Numerousallegationsof X  severehumanrightsabusesbytheHaitianNationalPolice( _HNP_)remain D! _uninvestigated_.Theseviolationsspanagoryspectrum,fromarbitraryarrestand 0"  detention,todisappearancesandsummaryexecutions,tokillingofscoresofhospitalized #l! patientsandthesubsequentdisposaloftheirbodiesatmassgraves.Asthisreportdetails, $X" _MINUSTAH_Ԁhaseffectivelyprovidedcoverforthepolicetowageacampaignofterrorin $D # PortauPrincesslums.Evenmoredistressingthan_MINUSTAH_scomplicityin_HNP_ %0!$ abusesarecredibleallegationsofhumanrightsabusesperpetratedby_MINUSTAH_Ԁitself, &"% asdocumentedinthisreport._MINUSTAH_,however,hasvirtuallyignoredthese '#& allegationsaswell,relegatingthemtoobscurityandthusguaranteeingthatabusesgo (#' uncorrected.Inshort,insteadoffollowingthespecificprescriptionofitsmandateby )$( puttinganendtoimpunityinHaiti,_MINUSTAH_sfailureshaveensureditscontinuation.|*%)(#(#  h+&*   INTRODUCTION  0  ThefollowingreportexaminesthecurrentcrisisinHaitithroughaparticular,narrowly  definedlens:theroleoftheUnitedNationsStabilizationMissioninHaiti t ( _MINUSTAH_)inprovidingstability,securityandrespectforhumanrightsandtherule ` oflawinthecountry.Otherissues,suchashealth!relatedhumanitariancrises,corruption L  inthejudicialsystemandpoliticalpowerdynamics!thoughcertainlyrelevantto 8  _MINUSTAH_ԀandofconsiderablesignificancetounderstandingthesituationinHaiti $ t generally!arenottheprimaryfocusofourstudy. `(#(#   I.RECOMMENDATIONS  8  0  MorethaneightsmonthssinceitsarrivalinHaiti,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasfailedtocomplywith   eithertheletterorspiritofitsmandateasprescribedbytheSecurityCouncilin   Resolution1542.Believingthatremedyingsuchnoncompliancewillgoalongway   towardsremedyingthesituationinHaitigenerally,werecommendthat_MINUSTAH_,in   particular:p(#(#  0  implementastrategyfordisarminganyandallarmedgroups-includinggangsofvarious H politicalaffiliationsandtheformermilitary-attheearliestpossibledateand,relatedly, 4 ensurethatthegovernmentprovidenocompensationtoanyillegallyarmedactorsunless  p paymentislinkedtotheirdisarmament; \(#(# 0  activelyandconsistentlyoverseetheday-to-dayoperationsoftheHaitianNational 4 Policebyprovidingapermanentpresenceinpolicestations,assistingininvestigations   anddetentionprocedures,andproposingmeasuresforreform; (#(# 0  immediatelyceasetheprovisionoflogisticalsupporttotheHaitianNationalPolice  duringoperationsthatarelikelytoresultinviolationsofhumanrights,suchasarbitrary  arrestsanddetentionsandextrajudicialkillings;  p l(#(#  0  undertakeinvestigationsofallegedhumanrightsviolationsindependentlyoftheHaitian D! NationalPolice;0" (#(# 0  investigate,inparticular,theareatothenorthofPort-au-Princeknownas_Titanyen_,a $X" sitewheretheHaitianNationalPoliceandothersallegedlydumpbodiesofvictimsof $D # theirabuses;%0!$(#(# 0  publishanddisseminatereportsdetailingtheresultsofinvestigationsintoalleged '#& instancesofhumanrightsabuseatregularintervalsandmakethesereportsavailablein (#' bothFrenchandCreole,particularlywithregardtothecasesdocumentedintheinstant )$( report;|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  bridgethelinguisticdividebetweenU.N.personnelandtheHaitianpeoplebytraining  personnelinCreoleand/orFrenchor,ifthatisnotpossible,byhiringadditional  professionaltranslatorstoaccompanypersonnelinthefield;(#(# 0  installsecuritypersonnelatallprisonsandmajorhospitalsinandaround ` Port-au-Prince;L (#(# 0  workcloselywith,andheedtheadviceof,_UNDP_ԀinreformingtheHaitiancorrections $ t system; `(#(# 0  cooperateandshareinformationandintelligencewithallhumanrightsorganizationsin  8  Haitionaregularbasis;$ (#(# 0  employwhatevermeansnecessarytoensurethesafetyandsecurityofhumanrights   organizations; (#(# 0  andprovidesafetyandsecurity,freeofinterferenceandsuppressionfromgovernment p and/orpoliceforces,forallHaitiansintheexerciseoftheirrighttofreedomofexpression \ andpeacefulpublicassembly.H(#(# 0  Absentimplementationoftheseandotherrelatedmeasuresby_MINUSTAH_,instability  p andinsecuritywillcontinuetoplagueHaitiforyearstocome. \(#(#   II.ABRIEFHISTORYOFHAITI 4 0  Intheearlytwentiethcentury,theUnitedStatesbegantotakeakeeninterestinHaitian   affairs,hopingtodiminishEuropeaninfluenceintheAmericas,inpartbyreducing  dependenceonEuropeancapital.In1915,acontingentofU.S.MarineslandedinHaiti,  launchinganineteen-year-longoccupation.TheUnitedStatesrecognizedHaiti's  independenceinatreatysignedin1933,butreservedforitselfa"special"status.l(#(# 0  UntiltheriseoftheDuvalierdictatorshipin1957,Haitiwasrelativelyindependentand D! calm,notwithstandingapowerstrugglebetweenmulattoelitesand_noiristes_,orblack 0"  nationalists._Fran ois_ԀDuvalier,alsoknownasPapaDoc,waselectedpresidentin1957 #l! byasignificantmarginoverhisclosestcontender.Whilecampaigning,Duvalier $X" propoundedeconomicequalityandimprovementsforthe"exploitedmasses."Duvalier's $D # rhetoricwaslikelyappealing;by1957,Haiti'seconomy,infrastructure,andpolitical %0!$ institutionswereindisrepair.&"%(#(# 0  Despitehiscampaignpromises,Duvalierrepressedthepopulationandquelleddissent (#' fromtheinceptionofhispresidency.Repressioncharacterizedhisfirstsevenyearsin )$( office.Duvalier'sinitialtargetswerethearmyandthelaborunions,thelatterofwhich |*%) hecrushedquickly.Heeffectivelyreplacedthearmywithhisownprivatesecurity h+&* detail,the_Tontons_Ԁ_Macoutes_-whichbecametheenduringsymbolofhisdictatorship.At  Duvalier'scommand,the_Tontons_Ԁ_Macoutes_Ԁterrorizedandintimidatedthecitizenryand  repressedallinterestsconsideredadversetoDuvalier.The_Macoutes_Ԁactedwithseverity  andengagedinharshandfrequentlylethaltacticswithnear-completeimpunity.In t October1961,Duvalierheldimpromptuelectionstoextendhisterminofficeandsolidify ` hispower.By1964,Duvalierhadeffectivelyeliminatedanymeaningfulopposition L  withinHaiti.8 (#(# 0  TheUnitedStatesinitiallyheldafavorableviewofDuvalier,butrelationsbetweenthe  ` twocountriesdeterioratedasDuvalieradoptedincreasinglyharshpolicies.Duvalier  L  playedonAmericanfearsthatHaitiwouldturnCommunistandtherebygarnered  8  significantU.S.foreignaid.Hedivertedmuchofthemoneyforhisownprivateuseand $  implementedasystemofwidespreadextortionoftheHaitianpeople. (#(# 0  BythetimeDuvalierdiedin1971,state-sanctionedterrorismhadkilledanestimated   30,000to60,000Haitiancitizens;itwasresponsibleforthetortureorexileof   innumerableothers.In1964,hehadamendedtheHaitianconstitutiontonamehimself p president-for-lifewiththeabilitytonamehissuccessor.Beforehisdeath,PapaDochad \ appointedhisson,Jean-ClaudeDuvalier,whotookoverthepresidencyin1971atage19.H(#(# 0  Jean-Claude,or"BabyDoc,"asforeignjournalistsderisivelynicknamedhim,continued  p hisfather'sdeadlywork.Likehisfather,BabyDocmadeoverturestotheU.S.  \ governmentbydenouncingCommunismearlyinhisreign.Inresponse,sixhigh-ranking H U.S.governmentofficialsvisitedHaitiin1972tocounselBabyDocandhisgovernment, 4 endingaten-yearperiodofmutualanimosity.TheUnitedStatesalsosentincreasing   amountsofmonetaryandfoodaidtoHaitiduringthemid-1970s,butBabyDoc,likehis   fatherbeforehim,co-optedmuchoftheaidforhisownprivateuse,leadingto  widespreadfamineamongHaitianpeasants.(#(# 0  Throughouttheearly1980s,anumberofinsurrectionistgroupsattemptedtotoppleBaby l Doc'sgovernment.Aseachattemptfailed,BabyDocrespondedviciouslytooppressall X  formsofopposition.Inearly1986,however,whatstartedasaprotestinthecityof D! _Gona5ves_ԀgrewintoaseriesofrevoltsthroughouttheHaitiancountryside.Withina 0"  matterofdaystherevolthadgreatlymagnifiedinintensityandreachedPort-au-Prince. #l! InFebruary1986,BabyDocandhisfamilyfledHaiti,leavingbehindacountrythatin $X" 1985wasthepoorestnationintheWesternHemisphereandthathadonesecondary $D # schoolforeverythirty-fiveprisons.Withhisflight,thebloodytwenty-eightyear %0!$ Duvalierdictatorshipsfinallyended.&"%(#(# 0  WiththeactiveinvolvementoftheReaganadministration,aNationalGoverningCouncil (#' (_Conseil_ԀNationalde_Gouvernement_,"_CNG_")wasformedshortlyafterJean-Claude )$( Duvalier'sflightfromHaiti.TheHaitianArmycontrolledthe_CNG_,withLieutenant |*%) GeneralHenry_Namphy_Ԁasitsleader.The_CNG_ԀwroteanewconstitutionforHaitiin h+&* 1987andLt._Namphy_Ԁassumedfullcontrolin1988.Anothermilitaryofficial,General  ProsperAvril,succeeded_Namphy_Ԁlaterthatsameyear;_Ertha_ԀPascal_Trouillot_,acivilian,  assumedpoweruponAvril'sflightfromHaitiin1990.Throughouttheperiod  immediatelyfollowingthefallofthe_Duvaliers_,the_CNG_Ԁdidalmostnothingtohold t membersofBabyDoc'sregimeorthe_Tontons_Ԁ_Macoutes_Ԁresponsiblefortheirrepressive ` tacticsandviolence.L (#(# 0  InaDecember16electionthatobserversfromtheU.N.,theOrganizationofAmerican $ t States("OAS"),andtheUnitedStatesdeclaredtobefreeandfair,Aristidewon  ` sixty-sevenpercentofthevote.OnemonthbeforeAristide'sFebruary7,1991  L  inauguration,_Lafontant_Ԁ[formerheadofthe_Tontons_Ԁ_Macoutes_]seizedthepalace,took  8  President_Trouillot_Ԁhostage,andtookoverthebroadcastfacilities,apparentlyexpecting $  supportfromthearmy.AftertensofthousandsofHaitiansdemonstratedagainstthe   coup,however,thearmyarrested_Lafontant_Ԁandabortedthecoupattempt. (#(# 0  After_Trouillot_ԀtransferredpowertoAristide,thenewpresidentnominated_Ren_Ԁ_Preval_Ԁas   hisprimeminister.When,inAugust1991,thelegislatureattemptedtopassa p no-confidencemeasureonPrimeMinister_Preval_,twothousand_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters \ gatheredoutsidetheAssemblybuildingtoprotestthemovebytheoppositionin H Parliament.Earlyinhispresidency,Aristidemovedswiftlytodismantlethearmyby 4 passinglegislationtoseparatethepolicefromthearmyandbyretiringsixoftheseven  p rankingmembersofthemilitary;makesymboliceffortstoaddresspastatrocities;and,  \ investigatepastcrimes,inpartbycreatingacommission,whichactuallyneverbegan H work,toinvestigatepasthumanrightsviolations.4(#(# 0  OnSeptember29,1991,Aristidewastakenhostageinamilitarycoup;afternegotiations   withtheinternationalcommunity,however,thearmyallowedhimtoleavethecountry.  At3:00a.m.,aVenezuelanAirForceplanearrivedinPort-au-PrincetoflyAristideto  CaracasandsubsequentlytoWashington,D.C.,whereAristidewouldspendthenext  threeyearsnegotiatinghisreturntopower.TheU.S.StateDepartmentestimatedthat l "[_s]everal_ԀthousandHaitiansmayhavebeenkilledduringthedefactomilitaryrule"that X  followedAristide'souster.TheInternationalCrisisGroupestimatedthatbetween3,000 D! and5,000peoplewerekilledinthethreeyearsofthemilitary-backedrule.Human 0"  RightsWatchnotedthat"[_t]housands_Ԁmoresuffered'disappearance,'torture,beatings, #l! rape,threats,arbitrarydetention,andextortion."Inaddition,anestimated100,000 $X" Haitiansfledthecountryandanother300,000wereforcedintointernalexile. $D # WashingtontypicallyreturnedinterdictedHaitianrefugeestoHaitiundera1981 %0!$ agreementbetweentheReaganandDuvalieradministrations.&"%(#(# 0  Shortlyafterthecoup,theOAScalledforanembargoagainstHaiti.TheUnitedStates (#' frozeaccesstoallHaitiangovernmentassetsintheUnitedStatesforanyoneexcept )$( Aristide,inanattempttoallowhimaccesstofinancialsupportwhileinexile.Thecoup |*%) leaders-General_Cdras_,General_Biamby_,andMajorMichel_Fran ois_-declaredthe h+&* presidencyvacantandofferedittoSupremeCourtJusticeJoseph_Nerette_,whointurn  nominatedJean-Jacques_Honorat_Ԁasprimeminister.InOctober1991,theOASimposed  anoilandtradeembargowithwhichU.S.PresidentBushorderedcompliance.Duetothe  conservativeanti-AristideatmosphereintheDominicanRepublicaswellasthe t disinterestofmanyU.N.membersinacceding,however,theembargoprovedineffective ` despiteitsbeingtechnicallyimposedfortheentirethreeyearsofmilitaryrule.L (#(# 0  AttheendofJune1993,U.N.diplomatDante_Caputo_ԀarrivedinNewYorktobrokeran $ t agreementbetweenGeneral_Cdras_ԀandPresidentAristide.Afterdaysofnegotiations  ` duringwhichthetwoHaitiansreportedlyneverspokedirectlytoeachother,theparties  L  agreedtotheGovernor'sIslandAccord.Itstermsincludedcommitmentstotheeffect  8  that:Aristidewouldnameanewprimeminister;thesanctionswouldbelifted;reforms $  wouldbemadeinthearmy;amnestywouldbegrantedfor"politicaloffenses"butnotfor   commoncrimes;andAristidewouldbereturnedtopoweronOctober30,1993withthe   helpofaU.N.peacekeepingforce.AfterthesigningoftheAccord,Aristideappointed   Robert_Malval_Ԁasprimeminister.Facedwithstrenuousopposition,however,U.N.   peacekeepersneverlandedandAristidewouldnotreturnuntil1994.p(#(# 0  ViolencereignedintheyearsbetweenthecoupandAristide'sreturntopower.The H secondandthirdgenerationof_Macoutes_Ԁhadorganizedthemselvesintotheparamilitary 4 organizationknownastheFrontforAdvancementandProgressofHaiti(Frontpour  p _l'Avancement_Ԁetle_Progrs_Ԁ_Haitien_,"_FRAPH_").LedbyEmmanuel"Toto"Constant,the  \ _FRAPH_ԀemployedviolencethroughoutHaitiandsupportedthemilitarygovernment.H(#(# 0  In1992and1993,murdersandrapesinHaitiincreaseddramatically.Michel_Fran ois_,   oneofthecoupleaders,wasthepolicechiefofPort-au-Princeatthetime;Emile   _Jonaissant_Ԁwasnameddefactopresidentbytheadministration.Inapoorareaof  _Gona5ves_ԀcalledRa_boteau_,acharismaticorganizernamed_Amiot_Ԁ_Mtayer_Ԁleda  community-basedgroupthatwasrepeatedlytargetedbythearmyandmilitarybetween  1991and1994.InaparticularlybloodymomentonApril22,1994,soldiersand l paramilitariesincluding_FRAPH_Ԁkilledatleastfifteenpeople,atleastsomeofwhomwere X  in_Mtayer_'sgroup.Theincidentcametobeknownasthe_Raboteau_Ԁmassacre.The D! _Raboteau_Ԁmassacrewasfinallyprosecutedin2000;ajuryconvictedsixteenformer 0"  soldiersandparamilitariesandthirty-sevendefendantsinabsentia.#l!(#(# 0  ByJuly29,1994,theUnitedStateshaddecidedthatmilitaryinterventionwasnecessary $D # torestoreAristidetopower.SecurityCouncilResolution940grantedtheUnitedStates %0!$ powertointerveneonbehalfoftheU.N.TheClintonadministrationpreparedfor &"% invasionbutsimultaneouslysentformerPresidentCarter,SenatorSamNunn,andretired '#& JointChiefsofStaffchairmanColinPowelltonegotiatewithGeneral_Cdras_.On (#' September18,_Cdras_ԀsignedanagreementtostayincommanduntilOctober15,when )$( Aristidewouldberestoredtopower-nearlyoneyearafterthetermsoutlinedbythe |*%) Governor'sIslandAccord.ThepriceforAristide'srestorationwasanagreementbythe h+&* Clintonadministrationtograntandhonoranamnestyforawiderangeofhumanrights  violations,farbroaderthantheagreementreachedatGovernor'sIsland,whereAristide  hadrefusedtoagreetosuchageneralamnesty.(#(# 0  OnSeptember19,1994,thedayaftertheagreementwassigned,U.S.troops,the"first ` contingentofwhatwouldbecomea21,000memberinternationalforce,"landedin L  Port-au-Prince.Thesetroopsraided_FRAPH_Ԁheadquarters,seized160,000pagesof 8  documentaryevidence,andarrestedseveralindividuals,includingparamilitaryleader $ t Constant.ThethreecoupleadersandtheirfamiliesleftHaitiasPresidentAristidewas  ` restoredtopower,alongwithotherelectedofficialsinexile.OnMarch31,1995,the  L  UnitedStatesturnedoveritscommandtotheUnitedNationsMissioninHaiti  8  ("_UMMIH_").Onemonthlater,AristidedissolvedtheremnantsoftheHaitianArmed $  Forces(Forces_Armes_Ԁ_d'Haiti_,"_FAd'H_").SecurityCouncilResolution940mandated   _UNMIH_ԀtomaintainastableenvironmentinHaitiandtoassistinthecreationofanew   policeforce. (#(# 0  DespitetheU.N.'spresence,fewhumanrightscrimeswereprosecuted,andmany p ex-_FAd'H_Ԁmembersretainedtheirweaponsillegallyandjoinedcriminalorganizationsor \ privatesecuritydetails.InDecember1994,Aristide'sgovernmentformedtheNational H CommissionforTruthandJustice,chargedwithrecommendingreparationsand 4 rehabilitationmeasuresforvictimsaswellaswithdocumentingtheviolationscommitted  p duringthethreeyearsofmilitaryrule.Despiteitscompletionofa1200-pagereport  \ entitled"SiMPa_Rele_"or"IfIDon'tCryOut,"thereportwasneitherpublishedpromptly H normadewidelyavailableinCreoleand,consequently,hadalmostnoeffectonthe 4 public. (#(# 0  AlthoughAristidehadbeenabsentforthemajorityofhispresidency,the1987Haitian  Constitutionstatedthatthepresidentcouldserveforonlyonefive-yearterm;thus,in  December1995,nationalelectionswereheld.Althoughonlytwenty-eightpercentofthe  populationturnedout,eighty-eightpercentvotedfor_Ren_Ԁ_Preval_,the_Lavalas_Ԁcandidate l andthemanthatAristidehadoriginallyappointedprimeministerin1991.X (#(#   0  AfterlocalelectionsinJune1995,whichsomeinternationalmonitorscriticizedfor 0"  electoralfraud,apro-AristidecoalitionledbytheStrugglingPeople'sOrganization #l! ("_OPL_")wonanumberofsignificantseatsinmanyprovinces.Whendivisionemerged $X" between_OPL_ԀandAristide'sfollowersinlate1996,however,Aristideformedthe_Fanmi_ $D # _Lavalas_Ԁ("FL")party.Cementingthedivision,thenewFLpartyrancandidatesagainst %0!$ _OPL_Ԁinthe1997elections.Thefirstroundoftheelectionswasdisputed,stallingthe &"% governmentforayear.Thesecondroundnevertookplaceas_OPL_Ԁaccused_Fanmi_ '#& _Lavalas_Ԁofelectoralfraud.Atthebeginningof1999,unabletoorganizelocalelections, (#' President_Preval_Ԁdismissedthoselegislatorswhosetermshadexpiredandestablisheda )$( newcabinetwhich,accordingtotheU.S.StateDepartment,comprisedalmostentirelyFL |*%) partisans.ThedelayedelectionsfinallyoccurredinMay2000,withasixtypercent h+&* turnout.FLcandidateswereproclaimedwinnersofapproximatelyhalfthecontested  seats.TheOAScertifiedthefirstroundoftheseelectionsbutdiscoveredirregularities  later;whentheProvisionalElectoralCouncil("_PEC_")refusedtocorrecttheproblematic  methodofpercentagecalculationnotedbytheOAS,thelatterrefusedtoobservethe t secondroundofelections.Theopposition,renamedtheDemocraticConvergenceand ` includingformeroppositionparties,ex-_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters,andformersoldiers,calledfor L  theelectionstobeannulled,buttheParliamentmetinspiteoftheprotests.8 (#(# 0  Duringthisperiod,U.S.troopshadgraduallywithdrawnfromHaitiuntil,inMarch2000,  ` theU.N.forcehad_transitioned_Ԁintoapeace-buildingmission,theInternationalCivilian  L  SupportMissioninHaiti("MICAH").AccordingtotheU.S.StateDepartment,"MICAH  8  consistedofsome80non-uniformedU.N.technicaladvisersprovidingadviceand $  materialassistanceinpolicing,justice,andhumanrightstotheHaitianGovernment." (#(# 0  Despiteaccusationsofelectionirregularities,continuedprotestbytheDemocratic   Convergence,andrelativelylowvoterturnout,Aristidewonthepresidentialelectionin   November2000,anelectionboycottedbytheoppositionandwhichtheOASrefusedto p monitor,andwasinauguratedonFebruary7,2001.Monthsafterhisinauguration, \ however,violencebetween_Lavalas_ԀandoppositionagaineruptedinPort-au-Princeand H throughoutHaiti.HumanRightsWatchreportedthattheopposition"hasalsobeenthe 4 targetofviolentattacks,notablyinDecember2001duringwhichbuildingsassociated  p withtheoppositionwereburntdownbygovernmentgangs." \(#(# 0  TheviolenceprovokedOASPermanentCouncilResolution806,"_urg[ing_]the 4 GovernmentofHaiti,allpoliticalparties,civilsociety,andotherrelevantinstitutionsof   Haitiansocietytocondemnandworktowardsendingallformsofpoliticalviolence."   Continuingviolencebetweenthegovernmentandtheoppositionculminatedinapublic  callbytheoppositionforAristide'sremovalfromofficeinlate2002.InJanuary2004,at  theSummitoftheAmericas,ajointdelegationofOASandtheCaribbeanCommunity  ("_CARICOM_")presentedasetofdemandstoAristideregardingtherestorationofpublic l order,newleadershipforthepolice,anddisarmamentofgovernmentsecurityforces.X (#(# 0  DissatisfiedwiththedissolutionofthearmyandwithAristide'spolicies,formermilitary 0"  forcesandotheroppositiongroups,manytrainedintheDominicanRepublic,beganto #l! takeovertownsandrecruitsupportersthroughoutHaiti.In_Artibonite_,inthecenternorth $X" ofthecountry,theFrontdeResistancede_L'Artibonite_Ԁpourle_Renversement_Ԁde $D # Jean-BertrandAristidecoalescedaroundfollowersof_Amiot_Ԁ_Mtayer_._Mtayer_Ԁhadbeen %0!$ arrestedin2002andreleasedbyhissupportersamonthlater;inSeptember2003,hewas &"% foundmurdered,andthe_Mtayer_ԀgroupblamedAristideforhisdeath.With_Mtayer_'s '#& brotheratthehelm,the_Artibonite_Ԁgroupseized_Gona5ves_Ԁon5February2004and (#' proceededtowardPort-au-Prince.AsHumanRightsWatchdocumented,"withasmall )$( anddemoralizedpoliceforceplaguedbydesertions,thegovernmentlargelyplacedits |*%) defenseinthehandsofarmedciviliansupporters,manyofwhomwerecriminalsknown h+&* forviolenceandabuses."Ex-_FRAPH_ԀleadersGuyPhilippe,whosetenureaspolicechief  of_Delmas_,inPort-au-Prince,wasmarkedbythesummaryexecutionsofdozensof  suspectedgangmembers,andLouis_Jodel_Ԁ_Chamblain_,acquittedinarecentshamtrialof  the1993murderofbusinessmanAntoine_Izmery_Ԁandimplicatedintheassassinationof t JusticeMinisterGuy_Malary_Ԁin1993,gainedcontrolofthedisparatearmeduprisings.On ` February22,Haiti'ssecondlargestcity,Cap_Haitien_,felltotheinsurgents.L (#(#   0  Fourdayslater,theOASPermanentCouncilcalledontheU.N.SecurityCouncilto"take $ t allthenecessaryandappropriateurgentmeasurestoaddressthedeterioratingsituationin  ` Haiti."OnFebruary29,2004,AristideleftthecountryonaU.S.-charteredairplane  L  destinedfortheCentralAfricanRepublic.Therehasbeenheateddebateoverwhether  8  AristideresignedfreelyorwasforcedfromofficewiththeassistanceoftheU.S.military. $  TheU.N.Secretary-General,forinstance,hasstatedthathebelievestheconstitutionwas   followed,while_CARICOM_ԀhasaccusedtheUnitedStatesoffailingtosatisfyits   obligationsundertheInter-AmericanDemocraticCharterbyallowingademocratically   electedleadertobeforcedfromoffice.MembersoftheU.S.Congresscalledforan   investigationintothecircumstancesofAristide'sdepartureand,particularly,U.S. p involvementinthatdeparture.\(#(# @*0  AfterAristide'souster,_Boniface_ԀAlexandre,PresidentoftheHaitianSupremeCourt, 4 assumedofficeasinterimpresidentinaccordancewiththeHaitianConstitution.In  p consultationwiththeCouncilofElders,PresidentAlexandreappointedGerard_Latortue_  \ asinterimPrimeMinisteronMarch9,2004.Alexandreatoncerequestedinternational H assistance;theU.N.SecurityCouncilauthorizedimmediatedeploymentofa 4 MultinationalInterimForce("_MIF_")forthreemonths... (#(# 0  DespitetheimmediateU.N.presence,however,violenceincreasedthroughoutHaitiand  _MIF_Ԁ"seemedunableorunwillingtointervenedecisively."(#(# 0  Thedeploymentof_MIF_ԀwasfollowedbytheSecurityCouncil'sauthorization,alsounder l ChapterVIIoftheU.N.Charter,oftheUnitedNationsStabilizationMissioninHaiti X  ("_MINUSTAH_"),mandatedtoinclude6,700troopsand1,622civilianpoliceandstaff. D! Despitealaginthedeploymentofitsforces,_MINUSTAH_Ԁreachedninetypercentofits 0"  mandatedstaffinglevelsbyDecember2004.SetforthinSecurityCouncilResolution #l! 1542,themandateoftheBrazilian-ledforcecharged_MINUSTAH_Ԁwiththreeprincipal $X" categoriesofresponsibility:maintainingsecurityandstabilityinHaiti;promotinggood $D # governanceandthepoliticalandconstitutionalprocesses;andmonitoring,protectingand %0!$ reportingonhumanrights.Thoughestablishedinitiallyforaperiodofonlysixmonths, &"% the_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatereceivedasix-monthextensionthroughJune1,2005,withthe '#& passageofSecurityCouncilResolution1576onNovember29,2004.(#'(#(# 0  DespitethepresenceofU.N.troops,thesecuritysituationinHaitiremainsamatterof |*%) greatconcernasthepoliticalsituationhasfailedtostabilizeinmorethanayearsince h+&* Aristide'sdeparture.Armedattackshaveincreasedandex-_FAd'H_Ԁmembershavebecome  increasinglyvisible,occupyingseveralpolicestationsandactingassecurityforces  throughoutmanyoftheprovinces.Anadhoccommissionestablishedbytheministerof  theinteriorcountedapproximately5,700ex-_FAd'H_Ԁmemberssteppingintothecurrent t securityvacuum.Inmid-December2004,membersoftheformermilitaryoccupied ` Aristide'sformerresidencein_Tabarre_Ԁandleftonlyafterastand-offwithU.N. L  peacekeepers.8 (#(# 0  OnSeptember30,2004,theanniversaryofthe1991coup,atleasteightypeoplewere  ` killed,includingelevenpolice.Mostofthedeathsoccurredinthepoorest  L  neighborhoodsofPort-au-Prince,wherebattleseruptedbetweenAristidesupportersand  8  the_HNP_.ThekillingsofSeptember30markedmerelythebeginningofaperiodof $  ongoingviolenceinHaitianslums.Sincethen,accordingtonewspapersources,between   250and400peoplehavebeenkilled,mostlyinslums.Crediblereportsindicatethat   summaryexecutionsbythe_HNP_Ԁandviolenceagainstwomencontinuetobeaserious   problem.InFebruary2005,ex-_FAd'H_Ԁmembersandthe_HNP_ԀclashedinPort-au-Prince,   resultinginthedeathofachild.p(#(# 0  OnOctober28,2004,theInter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRightsexpressedits H concernovertheunfetteredviolenceinHaiti,particularlybetweenillegalarmedgangs 4 andthepolice;theCommissionalsourgedinvestigationintoreportsofarbitraryarrests  p anddetentionsinrecentmonthsaswellasattacksagainsthumanrightsdefendersand  \ journalistsinHaiti.Specifically,theCommissionstated:H(#(# 0  Inparticular,theCommissionhasbeeninformedofnumerousseriousincidentsof   violencethathaveoccurredsincetheCommission'svisittoHaitiatthebeginningof   September,manyofwhichhavebeenperpetratedinthecontextofconfrontations  betweenillegalarmedgangsandpolice.Theseatrocitiesincludedabrutalincidenton  September30,2004inwhichtwopoliceofficersaresaidtohavebeenshottodeathand  beheaded.TheCommissiondeplorestheseactsofviolenceandonceagainurgesthe l government,incollaborationwiththeinternationalcommunity,totaketheurgentsteps X  necessarytoguaranteethesecurityofitspopulationbydisarmingillegallyarmedgroups D! andtoinvestigate,prosecuteandpunishthoseresponsibleforkillingsandotheratrocities, 0"  regardlessofwhomayberesponsible.#l!(#(#   0  Inadditiontoincreasingviolence,prosecutionshavebeenimbalancedandimpunity $D # continuestoreign.AlthoughFLmembershavebeenarrested,includingformerPrime %0!$ Minister_Yvon_ԀNeptune,thegovernmenthasfailedtoprosecutevigorouslyperpetratorsof &"% violenceagainstFLmembersorsuspectedsupporters.Thiswasspectacularlymanifested '#& intheone-daytrialandsubsequentacquittalofLouis_Jodel_Ԁ_Chamblain_,formerleaderof (#' the_FRAPH_,andJackson_Joanis_,formerarmycaptain,whohadbeenconvictedin )$( absentia,inJuly1994,forthe1993murderofAntoine_Izmery_,apro-Aristideactivistand |*%) businessman.h+&*(#(# Ї0  TheNationalPenitentiaryinPort-au-Princeisapotentsymboloftheeffectsofthe  absenceofruleoflawinHaiti.Onlyanestimatedtwopercentofitsmorethan1,000  _incarcerees_Ԁhavebeenconvictedofanycrime.OnDecember1,2004,atleastten  prisonerswerekilledinamassacre;lessthanthreemonthslater,onFebruary19,2005, t approximately480prisonersescapedafterarmedassailantsbrokethroughbarricadesand ` attackedthefacility.L (#(# 0  TheU.N.forcesholdenormouspotentialtosecureHaiti,establishdemocracyand $ t promotehumanrights._MINUSTAH_Ԁmustnowseizethatpotentialandpromptlyremedy  ` itsfailure,asdocumentedinthisreport,tocomplywitheithertheletterorthespiritofits  L  mandate. 8 (#(#   III.RESOLUTION1542:THE_MINUSTAH_ԀMANDATE   0  _MINUSTAH_'sfailuretoimplementacomprehensive_DDR_Ԁprogramaimedatsecuringthe   country,ortopresseffectivelytheinterimgovernmenttobeginsuchaprogram,is   chronicledinSectionIV.Thatsectionalsodetailshowpervasiveillegalweaponshave p harmedtheHaitianpeopleandfurtherdestabilizedthecountry.Asthissection \ demonstrates,_MINUSTAH_'sfailuretodisarmisdecidedlytheproductofalackof H politicalwill,notaweakmandate.Inhistoricalcontext,_MINUSTAH_'s_DDR_Ԁmandateis 4 robust.PeacekeepingoperationsinSierraLeoneandLiberiahavedeployedimperatives  p couchedinstrikinglysimilarlanguagewithfarmorevigorandeffectthan_MINUSTAH_  \ hasdoneinHaiti.H(#(# 0  The_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatefurtherchargesthemissionwithmonitoringandinstitutional   strengtheningresponsibilitiesvis--vislocalgovernmentagencies,mostnotablythe   HaitianNationalPolice.Again,theexperienceofpreviousmissionssuggeststhatthe  _MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatecontemplatesadegreeof_proactivity_Ԁnotapparentfromanarrow  readingofitstext.(#(# 0  [_T]he_ԀmandateembodiedinSecurityCouncilResolution1542requires_MINUSTAH_Ԁ"to X  assisttheTransitionalGovernmentinmonitoring,restructuringandreformingtheHaitian D! NationalPolice,consistentwithdemocraticpolicingstandards,includingthroughthe 0"  vettingandcertificationofitspersonnel,advisingonitsreorganizationandtraining, #l! includinggendertraining,aswellasmonitoring/_mentoring_ԀmembersoftheHaitian $X" NationalPolice."Despitethelitanyoftaskssetoutforit,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasdonevery $D # littleintermsofpolicereform.Instead,_MINUSTAH_'smostvisibleeffortshaveinvolved %0!$ providinglogisticalsupporttopoliceoperationswhich,asdocumentedinSectionIV,are &"% implicatedinhumanrightsabusessuchasarbitraryarrestanddetentionandextrajudicial '#& killings.Itbearsnotinginthiscontextthattheroleof_MINUSTAH_Ԁvis--vistheHaitian (#' NationalPoliceisnotmerelytoprovidesupport,as_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialshaveintimated )$( tothepress.Althoughthemandatedoescallfortheforce"toassistwiththerestoration |*%) andmaintenanceoftheruleoflaw,publicsafetyandpublicorderinHaitithroughthe h+&* provision,interalia,ofoperationalsupporttotheHaitianNationalPolice,"agreater  portionofthetextofResolution1542isdevotedtopolicetraining,reformingand  monitoring.(#(# 0  Policereformmandatescouchedinweakerlanguagethan_MINUSTAH_'shaveachieved ` fargreaterresults.L (#(# 0  InterimPrimeMinisterGerard_Latortue_ԀhasinsistedthatelectionsinHaitiwillbeheld $ t sometimein2005,and_MINUSTAH_'smandatecallsforittoassistintheprocess.Inand  ` ofthemselves,however,electionshaveneverbeenapanaceafortheillsoffailedor  L  post-conflictstates,asanindependentpanelreviewingpeacekeepingoperations  8  confirmedtotheU.N.in2000.ThishasbeenespeciallytrueinHaiti.$ (#(# 0  TosupportconstitutionalandpoliticalprocessesinHaiti,_MINUSTAH_'stasksmust   include,asidefromdisarmament,helpingtoengage_Lavalas_Ԁsupporterswhofeel   disenfranchisedbyAristide'sousterfromofficeandarethreateningnottoparticipatein   theelections;tosupportpublicassemblyandfreespeech,ratherthantoquellit,as p describedinSectionIV;andtoendthepracticesofimpunitythatcontributetoapopular \ perceptionofanti-_Lavalas_Ԁbiasin_MINUSTAH_Ԁandtheinterimgovernment.H(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_'smandate,interpretedinthecontextofotherpeacekeepingmissions  p couchedinsimilarlanguage,requiresamoreproactiveposturethanithasassumedto  \ date.H(#(# 0  Inlightofitspredecessormissions,the_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandaterepresentsnotmerelythe   continuation,buttheheighteningoftheU.N.commitmenttohumanrightsasavital   componentofthepeacekeepingprocess.Indeed,thefailuresandsuccessesofprevious  missionshavetaughtthat"theUnitedNationsconceptualandoperationaleffortsneedto  emanatefromahumanrightscore."SectionIIIofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandateaccordingly  prescribessubstantialresponsibilitiesspecificallyaddressedtothemaintenanceof,and l respectfor,humanrightsinHaiti._MINUSTAH_'sfirstbasiccategoryofhumanrights X  responsibilityis"tosupporttheTransitionalGovernmentaswellasHaitianhumanrights D! institutionsandgroupsintheireffortstopromoteandprotecthumanrights,particularly 0"  ofwomenandchildren,inordertoensureindividualaccountabilityforhumanrights #l! abusesandredressforvictims."Thesecondcategoryofresponsibilityis"tomonitorand $X" reportonthehumanrightssituation,incooperationwiththeOfficeoftheUnitedNations $D # HighCommissionerforHumanRights,includingonthesituationofreturnedrefugees %0!$ anddisplacedpersons."&"%(#(# 0  WiththepossibleexceptionoftheseveralmissionsinAngola,wheretheU.N. (#' establishedaseparateHumanRightsDivision("_HRD_")thatultimatelyevolvedintothe )$( centralcomponentoftheU.N.presence,nomoredirectlanguageaddressinghuman |*%) rightsexistsinthemandatesofotherU.N.peacekeepingoperations.Previousmissions h+&* armedwithhumanrightsresponsibilitiesarethusrelevantto_MINUSTAH_Ԁonlyinsofaras  theyrepresentaminimumbaselinebelowwhich_MINUSTAH_Ԁcannotfallincarryingout  itsresponsibilities-thatis,_MINUSTAH_Ԁcannotdoless;theycannot,however,be  considereddeterminativewithregardtounderstanding,andevaluatingthedegreeof t compliancewith,thefullbreadthofitsmandate-thatis,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmustalsodomore.`(#(# 0  Inshort,thelanguageinthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandateismore,notless,forcefulwithregard 8  totheprotectionofhumanrightsthansimilarprovisionsinthemandatesofprevious $ t U.N.missions-missionsthatoftenachievedconsiderablesuccesstowardsensuringsuch  ` protection.Theveryfactthathumanrightsoccupiesaseparatesectionofthe  L  _MINUSTAH_Ԁmandateisitselfremarkablebycomparison.Achievingsuccessonparwith  8  thatachievedbythosemissionswouldthusbeaneffectivestartingpoint,butbyno $  meanstheultimategoalfor_MINUSTAH_. (#(# 0  Forbothitsownsuccessand,ultimately,thatoftheHaitianpeopleinobtainingpeaceand   stability,accordingly,_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficersandtroopsonthegroundalikemust   understandthecentralityoftheirresponsibilitiesinhumanrights,for"[_i]gnoring_Ԁpending p humanrightsissueswillonlyresultincontinuedsocialturmoil."AsDavidBeer, \ Commissionerofthecivilianpolicecomponentofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmission("_CIVPOL_"), H recentlyconceded,"[_i]f_Ԁthehumanrightssituationisn'tchanging...wecan'thavea 4 secureandstableenvironment."Absentcorrespondingaction,ofcourse,mere  p recognitionofthevalueofhumanrightswillnotsuffice.CommissionerBeer,inother  \ words,woulddowelltorecognizefurtherthatthehumanrightssituationinHaitiwillnot H change-andinstabilityandinsecuritywillnotend-unless_MINUSTAH_Ԁactivelyendeavors 4 toeffectuatechange. (#(# 0  Finally,SectionI(f)ofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatefurtherobligatesthemission"toprotect  civiliansunderimminentthreatofphysicalviolence,withinitscapabilitiesandareasof  d_eployment_,withoutprejudicetotheresponsibilitiesoftheTransitionalGovernmentand  ofpoliceauthorities."Underaplainreadingoftheprovision,itstwoqualifyingclauses, l setoffbytheterms"within"and"without,"appeartoimposedistinctlimitationson X  _MINUSTAH_'sabilitytodischargeitsprotectiveresponsibilityvis--visthecivilian D! populationofHaiti.However,asthefindingsandanalysissetforthinSectionIVofthis 0"  reportmakeclear,applyingSectionI(f)ofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatetoanyofanumber #l! ofreal-lifefactualscenariosrevealsthatneitherlimitationisassignificantorrestrictivein $X" practiceasitmayappearonpaper.Thatis,_MINUSTAH_'sobligationtoprotectinnocent $D # Haitianciviliansisbetterunderstoodasanunconditionalobligation.%0!$(#(#     IV.FINDINGSANDANALYSIS '#&   0  IntheJanuaryinterview,whenaskedtocommentspecificallyontheinvolvementof )$( _MINUSTAH_Ԁin,anditsresponsibilityfor,theinvestigationofallegedhumanrights |*%) abusesinHaiti,Lt.Chagas[_MINUSTAH_ԀForceCommander]bemoanedwhathe h+&* perceivedastherelativeindifferenceofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandatetohumanrights."The  weakestbranchofourmissionishumanrights,"heinsisted."Weonlyhaveauthorityto  monitorandadvise."Thoughthedesireforincreasedhumanrightsresponsibility  implicitinMr.Chagas'wordsiscertainlylaudableandencouraging,itrestsonamistaken t belief.`(#(# 0  InlightofLt.Chagas'comments,however,thefactthat_MINUSTAH_,asofJanuary17, 8  2005,hadyettopublishasinglereportonthehumanrightssituationinHaiticomesas $ t littlesurprise.Chronicnon-complianceisinevitablewhensuchbasicmisconceptions  ` existatthehighestlevelsofcommand. L (#(# 0  Remarkably,eventheU.N.officialdirectlyresponsibleforhumanrightsoperationsin $  Haitihashimselfoptedforaninexplicablystrainedandrestrictivereadingofthe   mandate._Mahamane_Ԁ_Cisse_-_Gouro_,theRepresentativeoftheU.N.HighCommissioner   forHumanRights("_UNHCHR_")inHaiti,hasinterpretedhisbroadmandateasavirtual   gagorder.Mr._Cisse_-_Gouro_ԀtoldourOctober2004delegationthathisunderstandingof   themandate'sreferencetothe_OHCHR_Ԁprecludedhisreleasinginformationtous,tothe p humanrightscommunityortothemedia.Instead,injustifyinghisfailuretoproduceso \ muchasasinglereportontherightssituationinHaiti,hetoldusthathefeltitbestto H forwardallinformationtothe_OHCHR_.Mr._Cisse_-_Gouro_Ԁwasunabletotellus 4 definitivelywhenthe_OHCHR_ԀwouldreleaseareportonhumanrightsinHaiti. p(#(# 0  Inaveryrealsense,afailuretoinvestigateamountstolittlemorethancomplicityinthe H actionsofthoseallegedhumanrightsabuserswhootherwisewouldbethesubjectsof 4 investigation.If,forexample,the_HNP_Ԁknowsthatitwillnotbesubjecttoinvestigation   by_MINUSTAH_,itsofficerswillbelesslikelytohesitateorquestiontheirownjob   securitywhenmakinganarrestwithoutajudiciallyauthorizedwarrantorwhen  summarilyexecutingindividualsinbroaddaylight.AstheSecurityCouncilspecifically  notedinResolution1542,theprimarypurposeof_MINUSTAH_'sinvestigative  responsibilityis"toputanendtoimpunity."Anecessarycorollarytothatlanguage,of l course,isthepropositionthatwhen,asatpresent,_MINUSTAH_Ԁfailstoinvestigate, X  impunitywilllikelyreign._MINUSTAH_'snon-compliancewithitsmandate,inother D! words,doesnotsimplyfailtoimprovethecurrentsituationinHaiti;itexacerbatesit.0" (#(#   0  Incertaininstances,theseverityoftheapparentabusesandnoticethereofcombineto $X" make_MINUSTAH_'sfailuretoinvestigateparticularlyreprehensible.OnOctober27, $D # 2004,forexample,ourdelegationtraveledto_Titanyen_ԀontheoutskirtsofPort-au-Prince %0!$ toinvestigateallegationsofamassburialsiteusedbyvariousparties-the_HNP_,gangs, &"% andhospitalsalike-todeposithumancorpses.Althoughwedidnotlocateanybodies '#& aboveground,wediddiscoverwhatappearedtobeamassgrave.Thesitehadseveral (#' largemoundsofdirt,suggestinginterventionintheterrainconsistentwithamassburial. )$( Usedhospitalgloves,masks,andspentcartridgeshellslitteredthepremises.Inlessthan |*%) anhourandusingonlyabucketandastick,weexhumedbones,clothes,askull,anda h+&* smallT-shirtthatwouldfitathree-orfour-year-oldchild.Insidetheskullwas  gray-blackbrainmaterial.TheT-shirtwasmoist,andtheremainsexudedastench.  Immediatelyafteruncoveringthebodyofthesmallchild,ourdelegation,whichincluded  alocalHaitian,decidedtoreturntoPort-au-Prince.Ourlocalcontacthadexpressed t concernforoursafetywerewetoremainatthelocation.Thus,wedidnotcontinue ` diggingdespiteourconvictionthatasignificantnumberofbodieswereburiedatthesite.L (#(# 0  Despite...repeatednotice,aswellas_CIVPOL_'spriorknowledgethattheexistenceof $ t massgraves"hasbeenapointofcontentionforanumberofyears,"asofFebruary3,  ` 2005,_Titanyen_Ԁwasstill"notanactivecasebeinginvestigated"accordingto  L  CommissionerBeer.Measuredbyanystandardofprofessionalism,suchprolonged  8  non-responsivenessisplainlyunacceptable.Thisisespeciallytruewhere,ashere,the $  documentprovidingfortheagency'sexistenceinthefirstplace-inforce,atthelatest,as   ofJuly1,2004-specificallyprescribesresponsivenessintheformofinvestigativeand   reportingresponsibilities.Giventheconjunctionofthesefactors-affirmative,mandated   obligationscoupledwithdetailed,long-standingnotice-lackofcapacityand_understaffing_Ԁ   cannotsufficeasanexcusefor_CIVPOL_'stotalfailuretoinvestigateandreportonmass p burialofvictimsofsummaryexecutionat_Titanyen_.Wereiterateourrequestthatin \ compliancewiththeirmandate,theydosoimmediately.H(#(# 0  CommissionerBeer'sambivalenceandapparentwillingnesstoshirkresponsibilityby  p shiftingittoothersrunsdirectlyafoulofhisobligationsasarepresentativeofthelarger  \ _MINUSTAH_Ԁmission.Indeed,inNovember2004attheFourteenthAnnual H _Ibero_-AmericanSummitinCostaRica,JuanGabriel_Valds_,headofthemission, 4 reiteratedthevalueofrapid,visibleprogresssothattheHaitianpeople"canobserve   changes,improvements,andgivetrust"to_MINUSTAH_.Itbearsnotingfurtherthatthe   specificobligationtoinvestigateandissuereportsonthehumanrightssituationinHaiti  ishardlyanewobligation,havingbeenincludedintheoriginalmandateofApril30,  2004.Thatis,nownearlytenmonthslater,_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficerscannolongerhide  behindtheexcuseofunpreparednessincasuallyexplainingawaytheirfailuretoissue l significantreportingofanykind.Asbetweenthepromiseforchangeandprogress X  offeredbyMr._Valds_ԀandtheinactionpersonifiedbyCommissionerBeerandhis D! _CIVPOL_Ԁstaff,noclearerproofofthebroadthesisofthisreport-namely,thatthegap 0"  betweenthewordsofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandateandtheactionsofthe_MINUSTAH_ #l! troopsandofficersissignificant-isimaginable.$X"(#(# 0  Evenwhereitsmandatedoesdirect_MINUSTAH_Ԁtoreportonaparticularhumanrights %0!$ issueorcategoryofviolation,theresultshavebeennolessdisheartening.Resolution &"% 1542,forinstance,specificallyenumerates"thesituationofreturnedrefugeesand '#& displacedpersons"asaparticularsubjecttobeaddressedunder_MINUSTAH_'s (#' monitoringandreportingresponsibilities.Here,infact,_MINUSTAH_'seffortsarebetter )$( describedasnon-existentthanmerelynon-compliant.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  Petit_Goave_(#(# 0  Inthe_FAd'H_ԀstrongholdofPetit_Goave_,numerousreportsallegethatmembersofthe  "Convergence"oroppositionpartyhavesystematicallychasedallsupportersofthe t pro-Aristidepoliticalparty_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_Ԁfromthetown.InOctober2004,ourfirst ` delegationmetwithseveralrefugeeswhohadfledPetit_Goave_ԀforPort-au-Prince. L  _Felicien_ԀJean-_Claudel_,a25-year-oldmemberofthe_Lavalas_-affiliatedgroupResistance 8  _Democratique_ԀTi_Goave_,toldusthatdaysaftertheousterofPresidentAristideon $ t February29,2004,amannamed_Dady_Ԁ_Ostin_,knownmorecommonlyasTi_Kenley_,  ` raidedMr.Jean-_Claudel_'shousewiththehelpofafewheavilyarmedfriends.Once  L  inside,Mr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁrecalled,Ti_Kenley_Ԁthreatenedtokillhim,repeatingoverand  8  overagain"youhavetodie,becauseIwillnotallowany_Lavalas_ԀtostayinPetit_Goave_." $  Ti_Kenley_ԀultimatelyforcedMr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁtoleavehishome,hetoldus,butnot   beforeshootingMr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁtwice,onceineachleg,andaimingthebarrelofthe   gunathishead,false-triggeringthreetimes.Ti_Kenley_ԀleftMr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁtowrithein   apoolofhisownblood.Afterescapingtoahospitalinthenearbytownof_Miragoane_,   Mr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁmetwithhisfather,hetoldus,whoinformedhimthathishousehad p beenlootedandburnedtothegroundintheperiodofameretwodayssincehisforced \ departure.Whenweaskedwhetherhisstorywasunique,Mr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁquickly H notedthatofhisorganizationResistance_Democratique_ԀTi_Goave_,allbutonemember 4 hadfledPetit_Goave_Ԁandgoneintohiding.Thelonememberwhoremainedbehind,a  p manknownasRo-Ro,Mr.Jean-_Claudel_Ԁsaid,hadbeenshottodeathandsetonfire. \(#(# 0  Mr.B.wishedtoremainanonymous.Mr.B.,whogrewupinPetit_Goave_Ԁandwhose 4 mothercontinuestoresidethere,notedthatthedepartureofAristideonFebruary29,   2004markedtheintensificationofviolence-mostcommonlyintheformoflootingand   burninghousesandphysicalandverbalharassment-againstthe"_Lavalasiens_."The  persecution,hetoldus,extendednotmerelytothosehigh-profile_Lavalas_Ԁleaders,butto  "allsupporters,aswellastheirfamilies-aunts,uncles,brothers,sisters,cousins."As  corroborationforhisclaim,Mr.B.provideduswithalistofvictimsdatingtoApril2004; l though"partial,"thelistcontainedthenamesofeighty-four_Lavalas_Ԁsupporterswhohad X  recentlyfledPetit_Goave_Ԁandwhoremainedinhiding.Inkeepingwithwhatwehad D! learnedfrominterviewswithrefugeesconductedinOctober2004,asdescribedabove, 0"  Mr.B.attributedmuchoftheanti-_Lavalas_ԀviolencetothegroupofTi_Kenley_.Onseveral #l! occasions,Mr.B.recalled,victims,typicallyaccompaniedbytheirfamilieswhohadfled $X" alongsidethem,hadarrivedathisofficeinPort-au-Princetoreporttheirplight.$D #(#(# 0  Mostdisturbingly,perhaps,Mr.B.toldusthatatleasttwosuchvictims,_Cange_Ԁ_Lauture_ &"% and_Nanie_Ԁ_Sylne_,reportedthattheviolenceagainstthemhadbeenreprisalsfortheir '#& havingspokenwithahumanrightsdelegationledbyMr.ThomasGriffinand (#' accompaniedbyMr.B.himselfinApril2004.AccordingtoMr.B.,Mr._Lauture_Ԁtold )$( himthatafterMr.GriffinandhisdelegationleftPetit_Goave_,Ti_Kenley_'sgroupharassed |*%) hiswife,beathischildrenandlootedhishouse.Mr.B.toldusfurtherthatthegroup, h+&* accordingtoMr._Lauture_,accusedMr._Lauture_Ԁandhisfamilyofbeingspies,asTi_Kenley_  hadseenthefamilyspeakingwithMr.Griffin'sdelegation."Theyweretoldthattheyhad  stayedinPetit_Goave_Ԁonlytogiveinformationtojournalistsandthehumanrightsgroup,"  Mr.B.recalled.t(#(# 0  AfterspeakingwithMr.B.,wevisitedPetit_Goave_Ԁlateronthesameday,January15, L  2005,toinvestigateand,specifically,tolearnwhetherthesituationfor_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters 8  continuedtobeasdireasMr.B.'saccountandhisdocumentationandasourearlier $ t on-siteresearchinOctobersuggested.Uponarrival,wemetwithP.,a17-year-oldpublic  ` highschoolstudentandamemberoftheStudentCoalitionAgainstDictatorshipand  L  Impunitywhoalsowishedtoremainanonymous.Hisfear,andthegeneralprecariousness  8  ofthesituation,wasevidentfromthemomentwearrived,andcoloredboththeplanning $  ofourinterviewanditssubstance.P.,forinstance,tookpainstoensurethathewouldnot   beseentogetherwithusinpublic.Hemetourcaralongsidethemainroad,butinsteadof   climbingin,providedanaddressatwhichtomeethimandquicklywalkedoffalonein   theotherdirection.Oncewearrivedattheaddress,P.motionedusinwithawaveofthe   handandremainedinsidethefrontgateofthehouse.Finally,whenweconcludedthe p interviewandpreparedtoleavethehouse,P.beggedustoactandspeakinthestreetas \ thoughweweremissionariesoftheChristianfaith.Ifwedidnot,P.assuredus, H membersoftheConvergencewouldtargetandthreatenhimasa_Lavalas_Ԁsupporter,under 4 theassumptionthatwhitesareeitherhumanrightsactivistsormissionariesand,ifthey  p aretheformer,thattheyspeakonlyto_Lavalasiens_ԀinPetit_Goave_. \(#(# 0  Duringtheinterviewitself,P.toldusthatallsixofhisfamilymembersremaininthe 4 mountainssurroundingPetit_Goave_,havingfledthetownaftermembersoftheopposition   partyburneddowntheirhouseonMarch2,2004.P.saidhewasabletoreturnonly   becausetheprincipalofhisschoolwasabletonegotiatewiththeConvergencegangs.  Thepers_ecution_Ԁissowidespreadandconstant,P.toldus,that"[_s]ome_Ԁpeoplesaythey're  Convergencesupportersjusttoprotectthemselves."P.estimatedthatsincethedeparture  ofAristide,"about1,000peoplehaveleft"Petit_Goave_Ԁandthat"[_m]ost_Ԁofthemhavenot l comeback."X (#(# 0  SpeakingexplicitlyonbehalfofhissuperiorGeneralPereira,Lt.Chagasinsistedthat 0"  _MINUSTAH_Ԁwaswellawareofitsobligationtoprotectinnocentcivilians."Wehaveto #l! keepthisclear:wecannotaffordtokillinnocentpeople,"Lt.Chagasexplained,assuring $X" usthat"[_t]hese_Ԁsoldiershavethesethingsveryclearintheirminds."Ourfirst-hand $D # experienceinHaitipaintedasomewhatdifferentpicture,asallegationssurfacedthat %0!$ _MINUSTAH_'sneighborhoodsweepsandoperations,boththoseconductedindependently &"% aswellasthoseconductedincooperationwith_HNP_,hadthemselvesresultedincivilian '#& casualties.(#'(#(#   _Martissant_ |*%)  h+&* 0  OnOctober30,2004,weinterviewedseveralwitnessestothekillingof26-year-oldCarlo  Pierreatthehandsof_MINUSTAH_Ԁforcesduringanoperationconductedinthe  _Martissant_ԀslumofPort-au-PrinceonOctober22,2004.Mr.D.,aneyewitnesstothe  killingwhowishedtoremainanonymous,toldusthatearlyinthemorningofOctober22, t atapproximately6:00a.m.,_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersformedabarricadeinthestreet.Someof ` thesupporterscarriedweaponsandshotswerefired.Afterseveralfailedattemptsto L  controltheviolence,Mr.D.said,the_HNP_Ԁcalledin_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsforsupport. 8  AccordingtoMr.D.,two_MINUSTAH_Ԁtanksarrivedshortlythereafter.Atthispoint,the $ t armed_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersfled.Inresponsetorocks,however,oneU.N.tank"went  ` everywheretoshowthatitcouldgoanywhereand...startedshootingallovertheplace,  L  especiallyintheschool."_Martide_ԀBertrand,Mr.Pierre's76-year-oldgrandmother,told  8  ussimilarlythatthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops,hiddeninsidetheirtanks,"wereshooting $  everywhere." (#(# 0  Mr.D.estimatedthatnomorethantenminutesafter_MINUSTAH_'sarrival,hesawthe   machinegunaffixedtothetopofoneoftheU.N.tanks"takeaim"inthedirectionofMr.   Pierre,whowasabouttothrowarock.Secondslater,Mr.D.recalled,Mr.Pierre, p standinglessthantwentyfeetawayatthetime,felltotheground.Mr.D.rushedover, \ hesaid,andrealizedthatMr.Pierrehadbeenshotinthestomach,thechestandnearthe H mouth.Sadly,thedeathofCarloPierreisnotanisolatedcase,butonlyoneofseveral 4 involvingkillingsandhumanrightsviolationsattributableto_MINUSTAH_. p(#(#   _Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_ H 0  OnDecember14,2004,inthepre-dawnhoursofthemorning,alargeconvoyof   _MINUSTAH_Ԁtanksenteredthe_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_ԀslumofPort-au-Princeandconducteditsmost   aggressiveoperationtodate.Ourdelegationmetwith_Esterlin_ԀMarie_Carmelle_Ԁandher  husbandHenry_Morenaud_ԀonJanuary12,2005todiscusstheirrecollectionoftheevents  thattranspiredonthatDecembermorning.Ms._Carmelle_ԀandMr._Morenaud_Ԁtoldusthat  they,alongwiththeirtwo-year-oldson,_Herlens_ԀHenri,weresleepinginthesinglebed l theyallshared,whenbetween3:00a.m.and4:00a.m.,gunfireawokethem.X (#(# 0  Soonthereafter,Ms._Carmelle_Ԁtoldus,Mr._Morenaud_Ԁhimselfgotoutofbedtogetsome 0"  waterforashowerandtogetreadyforwork.Ms._Carmelle_Ԁandherchildremainedin #l! bed,shesaid,andtheshootingsoonintensified.Severalminuteslater,Ms._Carmelle_ $X" recalled,she"feltsomethingwarm"onherarmandsaidtoherhusband,"IfeellikeIgot $D # hitwithabullet."Shetoldusthatshequicklyrealizedthat"itwasn'tmewhohadbeen %0!$ shot,"asherboylaylimpandlifelessbesideher;his"bloodandbrainmatterweresliding &"% downmyarm."ThoughMs._Carmelle_Ԁsaidthatshethenpassedout,Mr._Morenaud_Ԁtold '#& usthatastraybullethadenteredtheirshackwithsuchforcethatithadremovedpartof (#' theirchild'shead,leaving_Herlens_Ԁtodieinhismother'sarms.)$((#(# 0  Whentheshootingsubsidedataround11:00a.m.,Mr._Morenaud_Ԁtoldus,aU.N. h+&* interpretersummonedthosewhosufferedcasualtiesfromtheoperationtocometothe  _MINUSTAH_Ԁbasebythewharfinlower_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_.Accompaniedbyneighbors,Mr.  _Morenaud_Ԁexplainedtous,heandhiswifebroughttheirchild'scorpsetothewharfas  directed,afterwhichtheywerealltaken,firstbyU.N.tankandthenbyambulance,toa t hospital.Oncetheyarrived,Ms._Carmelle_Ԁsaid,_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsremovedtheirson ` fromtheambulanceandindicatedthathisbodywouldbetakentoandkeptinthenational L  morgue.AccordingtoMr._Morenaud_,however,whenheandhiswifereturnedtothe 8  morguetwodayslateronDecember16,2004,guardstoldthemthat_MINUSTAH_Ԁhad $ t movedtheirsontoanothermorgue.WhenaskedwhyhethoughttheU.N.wouldhave  ` movedhisson'sbody,Mr._Morenaud_Ԁmentionedtousthatonthedayofhisson'sdeath,  L  hehadgivenaninterviewtoaRadio_Ginen_Ԁjournalistoutsidethehospital,duringwhich  8  Mr._Morenaud_Ԁblamed_MINUSTAH_Ԁforthedeath._MINUSTAH_Ԁhadimmediately $  received"negativepublicity,"Mr._Morenaud_Ԁtoldus. (#(# 0  Afterseveralfruitlesstripsinsearchofhissonatthelocalbranchofthe_HNP_,Direction   _Dpartementale_Ԁde_l'Ouest_Ԁ("_DDO_"),Mr._Morenaud_Ԁwenttothegeneral_MINUSTAH_   headquartersinBourdon,Port-au-Prince,hetoldus,andexplainedtoofficialswhathad p happenedtohissonandaskedthemfortheirhelp.\(#(# 0  Mr._Morenaud_ԀandMr._Carmelle_ԀbothtoldusthatasofourmeetingwiththemonJanuary 4 12,2005,nearlyafullmonthaftertheincident,neitherhadheardbackfrom_MINUSTAH_  p norhadbeenabletolocatetheirson'sbody. \(#(# 0  Thestoryof_Herlens_ԀHenriofferscompelling,thoughadmittedlycontestable,evidencefor 4 thepropositionthat_MINUSTAH_,inconductingitsoperations,hasengagedinprecisely   thetypeofindiscriminatewarfareagainstwhichitspresencewasdesignedtosafeguard,   thusviolatingnotonlyitsmandatebut,morebroadly,generalinternationalprinciplesof  warfarebywhichitisbound,asnotedabove.Tobesure,ForceCommanderPereira,  whenwespokehimabouttheincident,deniedresponsibilityforthedeathaltogether,  notingthatinlightofanautopsyonthebodyconductedby_MINUSTAH_Ԁmedical l personnel,hebelievedthechildhadbeenkilledbylocalgangsinthenighttimehours X  preceding_MINUSTAH_'sentryinto_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_.NeighborsofMs._Carmelle_ԀandMr. D! _Morenaud_,however,confirmedthecouple'saccount.Oneneighbor,_Rosianne_ԀWilfred, 0"  toldusthataftertheshootinghadsubsidedonDecember14,_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopshad #l! cometoherhouse,aswellasseveralothersintheneighborhood,torecoverbullets, $X" includingspecificallytheonethatallegedlyhadkilledthechild.AccordingtoMs. $D # Wilfred,shehadpossessionoftwo"verybigbullets"atthetime,onefromherhouseand %0!$ the"bloody"oneshehadretrievedfromMs._Carmelle_'shouse.Whenthe_MINUSTAH_ &"% troopsarrivedatherhouse,shesaid,shegavethetroopsthebloodybullet,tellingthemit '#& wastheirs.Ms.Wilfredtoldusthatdespitetheirinitial"_insiste[nce_]thatitwasthe (#' _chimres_'[gangs']bullet,"the_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops"eventuallysaiditwastheirown,and )$( tookitback."|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  Inthefinalanalysis,however,nomatterwhoactuallyshotthefatalbullet,_MINUSTAH_  bearssomedegreeofblameandculpabilityforthedeathof_Herlens_ԀHenri.(#(# 0  Ms.Pierre-LouistoldusthatonDecember17,2004,threedaysafter_MINUSTAH_Ԁbegan t itsoccupationof_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,sheawokebetween4:00a.m.and5:00a.m.tothesoundof ` heavyshootingandthefiringofgascanisters.Shesaidthatthelocalgangswerefiring L  bulletsatthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁsoldiersandthatthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁsoldiers,inresponse,were 8  bothshootingandfiringgas.Fearingforthelifeofherfourchildren,shedecidedto $ t movethemtoasaferareaintheneighborhood,shetoldus.Aftershehadsuccessfully  ` shepherdedthreeofherchildren,atapproximately8:00a.m.,toamoresecurelocation,  L  Ms.Pierre-Louisreturnedhome,sherecalled,tocollectherthree-month-olddaughter,  8  whomshehadleftbehindwithherhusband.At10:00a.m.,asMs.Pierre-Louiswas $  preparingherinfant'schangeofclothing,shemomentarilyplacedherbabyontheporch,   shetoldus.Whensheretrievedherdaughter,sherecalled,shenoticedthatthebabywas   "havingdifficultybreathing." (#(# 0  Sensingalullintheshooting,shesaid,shehurriedthechildtothe_MINUSTAH_Ԁbaseat p theportinLower_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁtoseekmedicalassistance.Whatensuedintheexchange \ betweenMs.Pierre-Louisandthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopscanbedescribedonlyasatragedy H oferrorsthatinmanywaystypifiesthefailuresofthe_MINUSTAH_ԀmissioninHaiti. 4 First,whenMs.Pierre-Louisarrivedatthebaseandtoldthefirst_MINUSTAH_Ԁsoldiershe  p encounteredthatherbabyhadbeengassed,thesoldierrespondedbyshrugginghis  \ shoulderstoindicatethathedidnotspeakCreole,sherecalled.Noticingthatherbaby H hadcloseditseyesandgonelimp,Ms.Pierre-Louisbegantoscream,shetoldus,loudly 4 enoughthatanearbytranslatorcametoheraid,againexplainingtothe_MINUSTAH_   troopsthatMs.Pierre-Louis'childhadbeengassed.Throughthetranslator,Ms.   Pierre-Louistoldus,the_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops"toldmetogohomeandthattheywould  stopfiringgas."AccordingtoMs.Pierre-Louis,however,the_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops"did  notsayanythingaboutmychild,eventhoughtheysawherdyinginmyarms."Before  Ms.Pierre-Louisreachedhome,herchildhaddied,shesaid.Laterthatafternoon,at l approximately1:00p.m.,Ms.Pierre-Louis,followingtheadviceofaneighbor,returned X  tothe_MINUSTAH_Ԁbase,shetoldus,wheresheexplainedagainthatherchildhaddied D! becauseofU.N.gasandaskedfor"compensationtotakecareofthefuneralexpenses." 0"  AccordingtoMs.Pierre-Louis,however,"theU.N.soldierssaidonly'wedon'tknow'" #l! andtoldher"tocontactthehigherups,sincetheyweresoldiersonlyandcouldn'tdo $X" anything."AswithMr._Morenaud_ԀandMs._Carmelle_,atthetimeofourinterviewon $D # January12,2005,Ms.Pierre-Louistoldusthatshehadheardnothingfrom_MINUSTAH_ %0!$ regardingherbabyorherpleasforassistance.&"%(#(# 0  Beyondtheobviousfaultof_MINUSTAH_Ԁinreleasinggascanistersintoareasofhigh (#' civiliandensity,notonlyinthecaseof_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁbutelsewhereaswell,thecomplete )$( failureofitstroopstorespondtoasituationoverwhichtheyshouldhavehadcomplete |*%) control-thatis,asituationreadily"withinitscapabilitiesandareasofdeployment" h+&* -betraysflawssofundamentaltothemissionthatevenarequestforheightened  compliancewithitsmandatewouldseemincapableofcuring.Ifnothingelse,  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsmustworktoinstillabasicethicofprofessionalismand  responsibilityinallitstroops.Withregardtofundamentalprinciplesofdecencyand t right-mostnotably,theunconditionalprotectionofinnocentcivilians-the_MINUSTAH_ ` soldiersmust,infact,"havethesethingsveryclearintheirminds."Linguistic L  deficiencies,thoughreal,offernoexcuseinthisregard.8 (#(# 0  Hospitals:TheNewBattlefield `(#(# 0  Inrecentmonths,severalreports,ofwhich_CIVPOL_ԀCommissionerBeertoldushewas  8  aware,havesurfacedregardinganallegedpracticebythe_HNP_Ԁwherebyofficersraid $  hospitals,forciblyremovecivilianpatientsand,incertaincases,murderthem,often   dumpingtheirbodiesintomassgraves.Samba_Boukman_Ԁnotedseveralinstancesin   whichmembersofhisneighborhood,thepopulistslumofBel-Air,wereallegedlykilled   bywayofsuchbehavior.Mr._Boukman_Ԁrecalledthatduringone_HNP_Ԁoperationin   Bel-AironOctober24,2004,_Gorda_Ԁ_Guerrier_ԀandGuyWilson,twomenintheirlate p teens,suffered_M-_1bulletwoundsintheribsandstomach,respectively.Hoursafterthe \ operation,thefamiliesofthetwomentooktheirsonstotheGeneralHospitalof H Port-au-Princefortreatment.Mr._Boukman_Ԁtoldusthatdayslater,the_HNP_Ԁenteredthe 4 hospitalandkilledbothMr._Guerrier_ԀandMr.Wilson. p(#(# 0  Thepracticeappearssufficientlywidespreadandroutinetomakeitseffectsfeltbeyond H thehospitalwallsonsocietyatlarge.Gunshotvictimsroutinelyforegohospitaltreatment, 4 fearingthattheirwoundswillmarkthemasgangmembers,andthattheywill   subsequentlybekilledbythepolice.SeveralvictimsofrecentviolenceintheBel-Air   and_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁneighborhoodswithwhomwespoke,andwhosebulletwoundswe  observed,citedpreciselysuchafearof_HNP_Ԁintrusionatlocalhospitalsastheirreasonfor  decliningprofessionalaidafterreceivingbulletwounds,thusexacerbatingtheir  respectiveconditions.l(#(# 0  Iftrue,suchallegationsshocktheconscienceonmanylevels.Fromtheperspectiveofthe D! U.N.mission,aslongassuchpracticescontinue,allpatientshousedinhospitalswithin 0"  Haitiremain"civiliansunderimminentthreatofphysicalofviolence."Indeed,even #l! CommissionerBeerrecognizedtheurgencyofthesituation,tellingus"it'sobviously $X" somethingthatcan'tgoon."Pursuanttoitsmandate,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmustprotectthese $D # patients,preferablybyinstallingitsownsecuritypersonneltoguardtheentrancestothe %0!$ hospitalsthemselves.&"%(#(# 0  Tobesure,Lt.Chagasnotedthatonoccasion,mostnotablyintheaftermathofmajor (#' operations,_MINUSTAH_Ԁtransportsafewseverelywoundedcivilianstoitsownmilitary )$( hospitallocatednear_Toussaint_Ԁ_Louverture_ԀairportinPort-au-Prince."[Themilitary |*%) hospitals]arenormallysupposedtotreatmilitarycasualtiesonly,butduetothesituation h+&* ofthehealthsysteminHaiti,wetryasmuchaspossibletotakecareofciviliansaswell."  Thoughcommendable,suchapolicyfailsentirelytoaccountfor,andtoprotect,allthose  woundedciviliansalreadywithintheHaitianhealthsystem.Takingcareofafew,inother  words,isnoexcusefor_MINUSTAH_'sutterfailuretoguardandcareforthemajority. t WhileprovidingtechnicalmedicalassistanceatHaitianhospitalsmightwellbebeyond ` thecapacityofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmissionatpresent,thesamesimplycannotbesaidof L  securingthosehospitalsagainstthedangerofviolentand,ultimately,oftenfatalintrusion.8 (#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficials,however,inblatantviolationoftheirmandate,continuetoexpress  ` adisturbingunwillingnesstointervene._MINUSTAH_ԀForceCommanderPereira,for  L  example,whenaskedbyourJanuarydelegationwhetherhewouldorderhispersonnelto  8  guardhospitals,declinedbyresortingtothebasicexcuseofincapacity."Wedon'thave $  enoughtroopstoguardthehospitals,"heexplainedtous.Nothavingenoughtroopsfor   aparticularjobisonething;nothavingthedesiretosendthemtoperformthejobinthe   firstplaceisquiteanother.GeneralPereira,apparently,hasneither. (#(# 0  Whenweaskedfurtherwhetherhewouldsendhistroopstoguardthehospitalsifhewere p abletodoso,GeneralPereiratoldussimplythat"theydonotneed[a]militarycontingent \ athospitals."GeneralPereiratriedtoexplaintousthatbecauseheneedsto"maximize H themobilityof[his]troops,"hecannot"put[his]troopsinstaticpositions."He 4 suggestedthat_CIVPOL_Ԁwasbettersuitedtothetask.Yetwhenwespokewith_CIVPOL_  p CommissionerBeeraboutthematter,hecoulddonobetterthanagaintoshirk  \ responsibilityaltogetherbytransferringitdirectlytothe_HNP_."[_O]ur_Ԁquickestsolutionis H topresstherightbuttonsin_HNP_Ԁtogetitdone,"hetoldus,concludingdiplomatically 4 that"[_t]o_Ԁput_CIVPOL_Ԁofficersinhospitalswouldbetotreatthesymptomandnotthe   cause."DespitetheintellectualappealofMr.Beer'sargument,itadmitsofa   considerabledenialofreality.First,givenhisownadmissionofthesubstantial  administrativeandlogisticaldifficultiesfacing_CIVPOL_Ԁinitseffortstotrainthe_HNP_,  treatingthecausedoesnotseemfeasibleintheshort-term.Inotherwords,sincefocusing  _CIVPOL_'sattentionsolelyontrainingthe_HNP_Ԁwouldeffectivelyallowhumanrights l abusestocontinueunfetteredforquitesometime,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmusttreatthesymptom X  byinstallingguardsimmediatelyatthehospitals.Second,toreiterate,ofall D! _MINUSTAH_'smandatedresponsibilities,protectionofciviliansistheresponsibility 0"  phrasedinthemostdirectterms,omittingthequalifyingwords"toassist"or"tosupport" #l! andobligatingthemissioninsteaddirectly"toprotect."Inshort,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmust $X" assumeresponsibilitywhere,ashere,itisrequiredbothbymandateand,presumably,by $D # conscienceaswell,todoso.%0!$(#(# 0  Phraseddifferently,_MINUSTAH_'saffirmativeobligationtosafeguardinnocentcivilians '#& cannotyieldtoitsother,comparativelylessaffirmativeobligations.Here,too,however, (#' asseenthroughtheexperienceofrecentjoint_MINUSTAH_-_HNP_Ԁoperations,atroubling )$( disconnectseparatesthenaturallanguageandmeaningofthemandatefromthepractices |*%) of_MINUSTAH_Ԁsoldiersonthestreets.h+&*(#(# Ї0  AccordingtoaletterpresentedtousbySamba_Boukman_,onNovember10,2004,for  example,throngsofcivilianstooktothestreetsofBel-Airinapeacefuldemonstration  callingforthereturnofexiledPresidentJean-BertrandAristide.Inaletterdated  November8,2004,Mr._Boukman_,thespokespersonfor_Mouvman_Ԁ_Rezistans_Ԁ_Baz_Ԁ_Popile_ t ("_Mo.Re.Ba.P_"),theorganizationresponsibleforthedemonstration,formallysolicitedthe ` specificassistanceof_MINUSTAH_Ԁinprovidingsecurityfortheevent.Theletterplaced L  _MINUSTAH_Ԁonnoticenotonlyofthedateandtimeofthemarch,butofthe 8  route-specifiedaccordingtothenamesofindividualstreetsintheBel-Air $ t neighborhood-thatthemarchwouldfollow. `(#(# 0  UltimatelyonNovember10,2004,however,asMr._Boukman_Ԁrecounted,_MINUSTAH_  8  provideditspresencebutnottheconcomitantsecurityithadpromisedandforwhichhe $  hadhoped.Mr._Boukman_,hisnumberscorroboratedbybothtypedandhandwrittenlists   ofvictims,contendedthatduringthedemonstration,while_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsstood   theirground,membersofthe_HNP_,dressedinblackuniforms,arrivedonthesceneand   killedsevenpeople.Anadditional180peoplewereseizedfromBel-Aironthesame   day,_Boukman_Ԁsaid,allegedlybywayofarrestsmadebythe_HNP_Ԁwiththeapparent p cooperationof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops.Mr._Boukman_Ԁandhisgroup,moreover,affirmed \ havingdiscoveredfivetoeightofthedisappearedatthemassburialsitein_Titanyen_Ԁand H anadditionalthreeatthegeneralmorgueofPort-au-Prince.Yetanother,Jean-Francois 4 _Boniface_,forwhomMr._Boukman_Ԁofferedaphotographasproof,reappearedseveraldays  p later,Mr._Boukman_Ԁtoldus,sprawleddeadonthepavementinfrontofthelocalcathedral  \ withbulletwoundsobscuringthelikenessofhisexiledleader,Jean-BertrandAristide, H oncedepictedonhist-shirt.Mr._Boukman_Ԁcontendedthatthe_HNP_Ԁunitresponsiblefor 4 thekillingsandarbitraryarrests-allofwhichoccurredinthepresenceof_MINUSTAH_,he   allegedfurther-includedofficersnormallyassignedtotheNationalPalace,theMinistryof   theInteriorand_DDO_.(#(# 0  _Delage_Ԁ_Mesnel_,a26-year-oldfatherofthreechildrenandhusbandofapregnantwife,  recountedasimilarstoryinwhichthe_HNP_Ԁshothimtwice,onceinthearmandoncein l theuppertorso,duringanotherpro-AristidedemonstrationinBel-AironNovember18, X  2004."_MINUSTAH_Ԁwasallaround,buttheydidnothing,theystoodtheirground,"Mr. D! _Mesnel_Ԁrecalled."Theyhelpedthe_HNP_Ԁbybeingthere,buttheydidnothing[forus]." 0"  Mr._Mesnel_Ԁstressedthatasinhiscase,"[_e]very_Ԁtimethe_HNP_Ԁwantstokillorarrest #l! people,theysendin_MINUSTAH_Ԁfirst."$X"(#(# 0  Evenwhere_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopscomesecond-thatis,afterthe_HNP_Ԁhasbegunits %0!$ operation-theresulthasbeenthesame.OnJanuary16,2005,wewitnessedfirst-handan &"% entirelypeacefulpro-AristidedemonstrationinBel-Air.Afterthedemonstrationpassed '#& fromview,wereturnedtoanindoorcommunitygatheringareatocontinueourinterviews (#' oflocalresidentsandrecordtheirgeneralimpressionsof_MINUSTAH_.Minuteslater,we )$( heardshotsringoutaroundus.Partlybecausewefearedexposingourselvestothe |*%) bulletsandpartlybecauseourintervieweesreassuredusofthesafetyoftheirgathering h+&* area,weremainedatourlocationandcontinuedtoconductinterviews.Butwhenthe  shootingintensified,bothinfrequencyandproximity,wedecidedtoawaitthenextlull  and,whenitcame,fleethearea.Atapproximately5:20p.m.,welefttheenclosedarea  wherewehadbeenconductingourinterviewsandbegantomakeourwaydownanarrow t alleywayandbacktowardsthemainstreet.`(#(# 0  Despitearrivingattheintersectionwithourhandsheldhighintheairtoindicateour 8  peacefulintentions,weweregreetedbythedrawnriflesof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsstationed $ t safelyintheirtank.OnlyafterlengthypleadingsinPortuguesebyonedelegation  ` memberdidthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsstoppointingtheirriflesatus,acknowledgethe  L  precariousnessofoursituationandsubsequentlygrantusaccesstotheirtanks.Once  8  inside,weaskedthetroopswhathadpromptedtheirpatroloftheneighborhood,andthey $  respondedbynotingthatmembersofthe_HNP_Ԁhadopenedfireonthedemonstration.   The_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsthenwarnedustocoverourears;secondslater,thelieutenantin   chargeaimlesslyreleasedtwogrenades,followedbymore"warningshots,"intothe   neighborhood.Inotherwords,farfromprotectingthevulnerable,peacefully   demonstratingciviliansofBel-Air-by,forexample,targetingthe_HNP_Ԁresponsibleforthe p violenceinthefirstplace-_MINUSTAH_Ԁenhancedtheirvulnerabilitybycontributing \ directlytoit.GeneralPereiradidlittletodismissourandourinterviewees'allegations H and,infact,essentiallyconfirmedthem,whenwespokewithhimonJanuary17,2005 4 about_HNP_-_MINUSTAH_Ԁinteractionsmoregenerally."Weofferthepolicetheprotection  p theydidn'thave,"hetoldus.Whenaskedfurtherwhethersuchprotectiontooktheform  \ ofsecuringanareaduring_HNP_Ԁoperations,headmittedtousthat"wegivespaceforthe H _HNP_Ԁtooperate,yes,wedothat."    4(#(# 0  Certainly,however,inthecaseofthedemonstrationsunderconsiderationhere,aswellas   inotherscenariossimilarlyinvolvingjoint_HNP_-_MINUSTAH_Ԁoperations,theheavily  armed_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopswerecapableofrestrainingthemovementandactivityofthe  _HNP_Ԁthattookplace,moreover,squarelywithin_MINUSTAH_'s"areaofdeployment."(#(# 0  Undersuchcircumstances,theobligationtoprotectcivilians,asarticulatedinSection X  I(f),isabsoluteandoverrides_MINUSTAH_'sresponsibilitytosupporttheactionsofthe D! _HNP_._MINUSTAH_Ԁcannot,inotherwords,"givespaceforthe_HNP_Ԁtooperate,"as 0"  GeneralPereiraadmittedtocommandinghistroops.GeneralPereiraand_MINUSTAH_ #l! generallywoulddowelltounderstandthatitsobligationtoprotectcivilians,framedin $X" directterms,isitsdefaultresponsibility,andthatunconditional,blindsupportto,or $D # assistanceof,the_HNP_Ԁistherareexceptiontothatresponsibility-notviceversa.%0!$(#(# 0  BeyondafailuretoprotectthephysicalsafetyofthecivilianpopulationofBel-Air,the '#& passivityofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsduringthesedemonstrationsadditionallyconstituted (#' aviolationofthatpopulation'sfundamentalrightstofreedomofexpressionandpeaceful )$( assembly.Thisisespeciallytruewhen,asnoted,protectionofthoserightshadbeen |*%) requestedandsubsequentlypromisedinadvance.h+&*(#(# Ї0  Atthetimeofthewritingofthisreport,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasdoneremarkablylittleto  supporttheeffortsofHaitianhumanrightsinstitutions,especiallywhenoneconsiders  thatitsobligationtodoso,asnoted,isultimatelyanobligation"toensureindividual  accountabilityforhumanrightsabusesandredressforvictims."_Rnan_Ԁ_Hedouville_Ԁof t CARLI,himselfavictimofpersecutionatthehandsofboththemediaandthe ` government,notedthatwhilehisorganizationoccasionallymeetswith_MINUSTAH_Ԁto L  notifythemofreportedhumanrightsviolations,"they[_MINUSTAH_]donothelpusat 8  all."$ t(#(# 0  Theclimateofviolencethatpersistsintheabsenceofdisarmamenthasendangeredthe  L  livesofmanyhumanrightslawyersandactivists,frequentlytargetedfortheirperceived  8  politicalagendasandaffiliations.$ (#(# 0  Severalintervieweeswithwhomourdelegationspokeexpressedtheirfearanddismay   withthepervasiveinsecuritythathamperstheircapacitytodotheirjobeffectively.   Visiblymovedbymentionofthesubject,Ms.Gillesof_NCHR_,forone,reportedthatshe   is"alwaysunderthreat.""TheywatchwhereIliveandcometomyhousewithgunsand p waitoutside,"Ms.Gillesstated."Sometimestheycallmejusttotellmethey'llkillme." \ ForMarioJoseph,aprominentandwell-regardedHaitianhumanrightsattorney,the H threatsassumeanevengreaternumberofforms."Sometimesit'sthreatsoverthe 4 telephone,sometimesit'sinthenewspaper,sometimestherearevehiclesonspymissions  p followingmealldaylong,"Mr.Josephrecalled."Nomatterwhatform,it'spressure." \(#(# 0  Onoccasion,the_HNP_Ԁhasbeenresponsibleforsimilarformsofharassmentandthreat.4(#(# 0  Inotherwords,here,perhapsmorethanelsewhere,theinterdependencyoftheseveral   provisionsofthe_MINUSTAH_Ԁmandateisapparent:when_MINUSTAH_Ԁfailstocomply  withitsresponsibilitytodisarmarmedgroupsand/ortrainmembersofHaitianpolice  authorities,itnecessarilyfails,eitherdirectlyorindirectlythroughtheincapacitationof  humanrightsdefenders,initsgreaterresponsibilitytoprotectthecivilianpopulationof l Haitiatlarge.   X (#(# 0  TheHaitianNationalPolice("_HNP_")worksunderthemantleofawell-deserved 0"  credibilitygap.Normallyrivenbydivisionsof_socio_-economicstatus,language,political #l! affiliationandgeography,Haitiansfindironicaccordintheirnear-universaldistrustand $X" disapprovalofthe_HNP_.Itsmembersareperceived,variously,ascrooked,politicized, $D # ineffective,andviolatorsofhumanrights.Evenafterthepurgeof500officersfollowing %0!$ PresidentAristide'sremovalinFebruary2004,thepoliceremain"verycorrupted," &"% accordingto_HNP_ԀDirectorLeonCharles.Indeed,manycontendthattheseofficerswere '#& removedfortheirpoliticalaffiliation,nottheirpettycorruptionorineffectiveness. (#' Provisionofbasicequipment,suchasbullet-proofvestsandvehicles,remainsspotty. )$( Finally,inkeepingwiththeirhistory,thepolicecontinuetoviolatehumanrightsthrough |*%) intimidationandharassmentofthecivilianpopulation,arbitraryarrestanddetention,and h+&* frequent,unjustifieduseofdeadlyforce.Raymond_Lafontant_,Jr.,chiefadvisortointerim  PrimeMinisterGerard_Latortue_,toldusthatthe_HNP_Ԁwas"unreliable"-somuchsothat  popularsupportinsomeareasfortheformermilitarywas,inhisview,justified.(#(#   0  _Concededly_,reformingthe_HNP_Ԁisamonumentaltask;unfortunately,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhas ` provenineffectiveinthisregard.Thecivilianpolicecomponentofthemission L  ("_CIVPOL_")hasneglectedtoimplementanysystematictrainingprogram,andits 8  attemptsatmonitoringand_mentoring_Ԁhavebeenwoefullyinadequate.Indeed,itisbyno $ t meansclearthat_MINUSTAH_'spresencehascurtailed_HNP_Ԁabuses.Tothecontrary,  ` widespreadreports,someofwhicharechronicledinthisdocument,suggestthathuman  L  rightsabusesbythe_HNP_Ԁhavecontinuedandevenescalatedunder_MINUSTAH_'swatch.  8  Farfrompreventinghumanrightsabuses,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasatbestturnedablindeyeto $  them;atworst,ithasfacilitatedthem. (#(# 0  Ininterviewswithourdelegation,_MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsdescribedtheirmandateto   supportthe_HNP_Ԁas"oneofthemostimportant"aspectsoftheirmission.Theforce   includedapproximately1,400_CIVPOL_ԀofficersasofFebruary3,2005.Accordingto p _CIVPOL_ԀCommissionerDavidBeer,hisforce'soperations,especiallywithregardto \ training,werehamperedbytheslowroll-outofofficers;notuntilmid-November2004 H did"substantialforcesof_CIVPOL_Ԁarrive."Moreover,CommissionerBeerrecalled, 4 Port-au-Prince'sdiresecuritysituationtook_CIVPOL_Ԁbysurprise,andtheforcehadto  p postponepolicetraininguntilitfeltthecountrywasmorestable. \(#(# 0  However,evenbymid-January,whenithadnearlyreachedmandatedcapacity,_CIVPOL_ 4 wasnotdeliveringthesupportthepoliceneeded,accordingto_HNP_ԀDirectorLeon   Charles."Wearenotsatisfiedwiththe_CIVPOL_Ԁapproach,"hecomplainedtoour   delegation,explainingthattoreducetherampantcorruptionamonghisofficers,_CIVPOL_  neededtohavea"permanentpresence"inpolicestations.Asitwas,Dire_ctor_ԀCharles  toldus,_CIVPOL_Ԁappearedonlyduringworkinghours,from8:00a.m.to4:00p.m.;its  supportinpoliceoperationsinPort-au-Princeslumswasinfrequentandsuperficial;andit l deliveredlittleassistanceinpost-operationinvestigations,includingregisteringand X  screeningdetainees.D!(#(# 0  ButtheU.N.force'somissionsarethetipoftheiceberg.Ratherthanmerelyfailingto #l! improvepolicepractices,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasexacerbatedhumanrightsabusescommitted $X" bytheHaitianpolice,accordingtonumerouswitnessesandhumanrightsleaderswith $D # whomwespoke.These_HNP_Ԁabuses-includingarbitraryarrestanddetention; %0!$ indiscriminatefiring;disappearances;andextrajudicialkillings-continuedthroughoutthe &"% periodofourresearch,andhaveperhapsescalated,under_MINUSTAH_'swatch,according '#& towidespreadreportsbyhumanrightsgroupsandjournalists.InNovember2004, (#' AmnestyInternationaldocumentedreportsof"incidentsinwhichindividualsdressedin )$( black,wearing_balaclavas_ԀandtravelingincarswithHaitianNationalPolicemarkings |*%) havecostthelivesofatleast11people."InareportissuedbytheCenterforHuman h+&* RightsattheUniversityofMiamiLawSchoolonJanuary14,2005,investigatorsrelated  aneyewitnessaccountofamid-Novemberjointoperationthatresultedinthedeathsof  twociviliansandthewoundingoftwomore.Thereport'sauthornotedthat  "_MINUSTAH_Ԁforces,ostensiblytheretohelpthe_HNP_,sometimescomplicateand t intensifytheimprecisionandtheviolence"ofjointoperations.Journalistsrepresenting ` dozensofinternationalpapershavereported"evermoreaccountsofpeopleinpolice L  uniformsexecutingpoliticalopponents,_kidnapping_Ԁforransomandterrorizing 8  neighborhoodsloyaltoAristide's_Lavalas_ԀFamilyParty;"andthat"gunfightsbetween $ t pro-AristidegangsandoutgunnedHaitianpolicebackedbyU.N.peacekeepersengulf  ` entireneighborhoods,sendingresidentsfleeingdownalleyways." L (#(# 0  Ourdelegationdiscoveredthat,withthedirectsupportoftheU.N.'ssuperiorfirepower $  andprotection,includingarmoredvehicles,bullet-proofvestsandhelmets,the_HNP_Ԁhas   beenmoreaggressiveinitsneighborhoodsweepsthanbefore_MINUSTAH_'sarrival.   Notably,before_MINUSTAH_'sarrival,the_HNP_Ԁrefusedtoentercertainneighborhoods.   Now,incontrast,the_HNP_ԀeitherconductsoperationswithU.N.troopsatitsbackor   beginsneighborhoodsweepsconfidentthat,shouldtheirofficersneedback-up,theyneed p onlysummon_MINUSTAH_.Ineffect,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasprovidedcoverforabuses \ committedbythe_HNP_Ԁduringoperationsinpoor,historicallytensePort-au-Prince H neighborhoodssuchasBel-Air,LaSaline,andlower_Delmas_.Ratherthanadvisingand 4 instructingthepoliceinbestpractices,andmonitoringtheirmissteps,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhas  p beenthemidwifeoftheirabuses.Inessence,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasprovidedtothe_HNP_Ԁthe  \ veryimplementsofrepression.H(#(# 0  Notsurprisingly,intheareaofthe"jointoperation,"_MINUSTAH_'spolicesupporthas   wontheplauditsofDirectorCharles,theHaitianinterimgovernment,andU.S.embassy   officials.BetweenOctober2004andJanuary2005,_MINUSTAH_Ԁandthe_HNP_  undertooknum_erous_ԀintegratedendeavorswithintheslumsofPort-au-Prince.Thestated,  officialobjectiveofsuchoperationshasbeentoestablishsecurityandstabilityinareas  formerlycontrolledbygangsandplaguedbysituationalviolence.Themerepresenceof l U.N.forceshasdonemuchtoquellviolence,policeandgovernmentauthoritiestoldus; X  but,theyadded,operationsoftenhaveincludedhousesearchesandmassarrests.The D! frequencyofthesejointoperationsvariesaccordingtotheneighborhood;insomeplaces, 0"  operationsoccurseveraltimesperweek.#l!(#(# 0  Workingtogetherallows_MINUSTAH_Ԁandthe_HNP_Ԁtoleverageeachother'sstrengths. $D # _MINUSTAH_,asnotedabove,hassuperiorfirepoweranddefensiveequipment,aswell %0!$ asforcesmoreadequatelytrainedtoconfronturbanguerillas.Sometimes,officialsfrom &"% _MINUSTAH_Ԁandthepolicetoldus,U.N.ArmoredPersonnelCarriers("_APC_")ferry '#& _HNP_Ԁofficersintoneighborhoods.Indeed,thepolicerefusetoentersomeneighborhoods (#' alone,fearingreprisalbycitizenswhofearanddistrustthem.Additionally,thepresence )$( ofmoundsofgarbagemakemanyroadsinpoorneighborhoodsimpassableexceptbya |*%) military-typevehicle._MINUSTAH_Ԁbenefitsfromthe_HNP_Ԁaswell.Thevastmajorityof h+&* U.N.forcesdonotspeakCreole,makinginteractionwiththeHaitianpopulationallbut  impossible.Moreover,onlythe_HNP_Ԁhastheauthoritytomakearrests.Finally,the  _HNP_Ԁarebetterabletoidentifytargetsforarrest-alltoooften,Aristidesupporters,  whetherinvolvedinillegalactivityornot.t(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsconfirmedwhat_HNP_ԀDirectorCharlestoldus-namely,thatduring L  anoperation,_MINUSTAH_Ԁ_APCs_Ԁprecedethearrivalofthe_HNP_Ԁorarrivecarrying_HNP_ 8  officerswithinthem._MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsremaininthearea,eitherintheirvehiclesor $ t onfoot-patrol,whilethepolicesurveytheneighborhood,oftenenteringhomesand  ` making_warrantless_Ԁarrestsofallegedgangmembersorpeoplewhoareillegallyarmed. L (#(# 0  TheoperationshavewonsupportfromtheHaitianauthorities,whoviewthemas $  demonstrationsofforcethatrestoremuch-neededordertopoorneighborhoods.   Additionally,abroadsectionofHaitiansociety-primarilythoseintheupperclassof   Port-au-Prince-alsosupports_MINUSTAH_'saggressiveactionsinthe_shantytowns_.Their   sentimentsarefoundinmuchofHaiti'smedia.However,residentsintheaffectedareas   andhumanrightsleaderstakeadramaticallydifferentview.Severalcasesfromone p Port-au-Princeneighborhood,Bel-Air,illustratehow_MINUSTAH_'spresencefunctionsas \ acoverfor_HNP_Ԁabuses.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  GerardBenjamin p(#(# 0  OnOctober6,2004,_MINUNSTAH_Ԁandthe_HNP_Ԁconductedoneoftheirfirstjoint H operationsinBel-Air.Accordingtoresidents,theforayamountedtoatotalsweepofthe 4 area,includingmass,_warrantless_Ԁarrestsandhousesearches.Amongthosedetainedwas   GeraldBenjamin,a28-year-oldresidentwho,accordingtohismother,BettyCharles,was   sittingonhisporcheatingbreakfastatthetime.Mr.Benjamin'smotheralsotoldusthat  heremainedincarceratedintheNationalPenitentiary,asofmid-January,morethanthree  monthsafterhisseizure.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  BenjaminMax_Grgois_,aneyewitnesstothearrest,toldusthatU.N.tankshadentered X  theneighborhoodaround8:30inthemorningorshortlythereafter,stationingtanks,more D! thanteninall,atnearlyeverymajorintersection.Then,Mr._Grgois_Ԁtoldus,_HNP_Ԁforces 0"  exitedthevehiclesandenteredhouses,oftenwiththeassistanceof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroops #l! wieldingbatteringrams,androundedupcivilians.AccordingtoMr._Grgois_,police $X" seizedMr.Benjaminonhisdoorstepandstuffedhimintoan_HNP_Ԁvehiclemarked $D # "_CIMO_"alongwithanestimatedeightyotherresidents.Inthedaysfollowingherson's %0!$ arrest,Ms.Charlesvisitedhimintheanti-gangunitand,later,intheNational &"% Penitentiary,shetoldourdelegation.Inbothinstances,Ms.Charlestoldus,Mr. '#& Benjamincomplainedtoherthathehadbeenbeaten,especiallyintheareaofhisgenitals, (#' whileindetention.Ms.Charlestoldourdelegationthatherson'speniswasswollenand )$( bruisedwhenheshowedittoher.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  Ms.Charlesalsotoldourresearchteamthatherson'sdetentionhadbeenparticularly  difficultforherbecauseshedependedonhimforfinancialsupport.Giventhefactthat  98%oftheNationalPenitentiary's_incarcerees_Ԁhavenotbeenconvictedofacrime,Mr.  Benjaminprobablyhaslanguishedinprisonwithoutthebenefitofjudicialreviewatany t stage,beginningwithhis_warrantless_Ԁarrest.`(#(# 0  JeanJoseph_Senat_8 (#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁoffersthe_HNP_Ԁcovernotonlyfordetentionpracticesthatviolatehuman  ` rightsnorms,but,accordingtoresidents,alsoforactionsthatinstillterroramongthe  L  populationofBel-Airthroughtheindiscriminateandwantonuseoffirepower.  8  Intentionalandstraybulletsalikehaveallegedlycausednumerousciviliancasualties, $  accordingtonewspaperandotherreports.Oneallegedvictimofthejointoperationis   JeanJoseph_Senat_,a26-year-oldformertelecomtechnician.Mr._Senat_Ԁtoldour   delegationthatatapproximately7:00a.m.onSunday,October24,2004,hewaswalking   fromhishomeinBel-Airtohismother'sresidence.Henoticed_MINUSTAH_Ԁtanksand   policecars,hesaid,butthoughtlittleofit.Suddenly,hewashitbygunfirethatnarrowly p missedhisvitalorgansandinsteadknockedoutfourofhisteeth,hetoldus.Theman \ whoshothim,Mr._Senat_Ԁrecountedtous,waswearinganewcamouflageuniformofthe H typenormallywornby_CIMO_Ԁ_HNP_Ԁforces.Atthetimeofourinterview,wewereableto 4 observethedamagecausedtoMr._Senat_'sface.Threemonthsaftertheincident,Mr.  p _Senat_Ԁtoldusthathestillhadtroubleeatingduetohismissingteeth. \(#(# 0   (#(# 0  RobinEmmanuel4(#(# 0  RobinEmmanuel,a32-year-oldBel-Airresidentandformerdockworker,isanother   allegedvictimof_HNP_Ԁabusesperpetratedunder_MINUSTAH_'swatch.Mr.Emmanuel  toldusthatinthemid-morningofNovember28,2004,hevisitedhischild'sgodmother,  wholivesonRue_Tiermas_ԀinBel-Air.Whilereturninghome,Mr.Emmanuelrecalled,he  observedpoliceofficersand_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsperchedatopthesurroundinghillsand l patrollingtheneighborhood'sstreets.Shortlyafterward,beforearrivingathisdestination, X  Mr.Emmanuelwasshotinthetorso,hetoldus.AlthoughMr.Emmanuelsaidhedid D! notseewhoshothim,hetoldourdelegationthathischild'sgodmothersawmembersof 0"  the_HNP_Ԁpointingtheirgunsathim.Mr.Emmanuel'swoundwasnotfatal;however,it #l! wasserious.$X"(#(# 0  Asidefromallegedlyfacilitating_HNP_'sarbitraryarrestsandinflictionofcivilian %0!$ casualties,_MINUSTAH_,accordingtopoliticalleadersinBel-Air,hasstoodby,failedto &"% prevent,andthereforeimplicitlycondonedthe_HNP_'skillingsandmassarrestsatpeaceful '#& protests.SectionIV.B.2,supra,containsseveralfirst-handaccountsofsuchallegations, (#' asdocumentedbyourJanuarydelegationtoHaiti.Sincethen,thesituationhaslikely )$( deterioratedfurther.OnFebruary28,2005,about2,000Aristidesupporters,unarmed |*%) andpeaceful,marchedthroughBel-AirtomarktheanniversaryofAristide'souster. h+&* _MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopsweremonitoringthedemonstration,accordingtonewspaperreports.  Threetrucks,eachfilledwithfifteentotwentymasked_HNP_Ԁofficers,pulledinfrontof  thedemonstrators,someofwhombegancursingatthepolice.Thepolicerespondedby  firingthreeteargasgrenadesandshootingindiscriminatelyintothecrowd,killingtwo. t Accordingtoreports,_MINUSTAH_Ԁdidnotstopthem.`(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsdisclaimallresponsibilityforabusescommittedbythe_HNP_Ԁduring 8  jointoperations.Whenourdelegationaskedwhoisresponsibleforinvestigating $ t inappropriateofficialbehaviorduringjointoperations,Lt.Chagas,assistantto  ` _MINUSTAH_ԀForceCommanderPereira,demurred,"it'sacomplicatedbusiness."Lt.  L  Chagaswentontoexplaintoourresearchteamthatallegedmisbehaviorby_MINUSTAH_  8  troopswouldbeinvestigatedbytheU.N.However,hetoldus,"ifitisonthe_HNP_Ԁside, $  thereisnotmuchthatwecando"becausethe_HNP_ԀoperatesunderHaitianauthority.   _MINUSTAH_'s"hands-off"postureregardinginvestigationsofabusesduring_HNP_Ԁand   jointoperationsisreflectedinitssimilarstancetoward_arrestees_:accordingtonewspaper   reports,_MINUSTAH_Ԁclaimsnoresponsibilityforthe_HNP_'streatmentofcivilians   detainedduringjointoperations.p(#(# 0  Thisabdicationofresponsibilityfor_HNP_Ԁabuses-andtheprofoundaccountabilitygapit H creates-istroublingforatleasttworeasons.First,itdirectlycontradicts_MINUSTAH_'s 4 mandate,whichexpresslyrequiresthemissiontoassistwith"monitoring,restructuring  p andreforming"the_HNP_.Thelanguageofthisobligation,asarguedabove,isfarmore  \ robustanddetailedthansimilarprovisionsinpreviousU.N.peacekeepingmandates.But H evenif_MINUSTAH_'sresponsibilitiesandauthoritywithregardtopolicereformwereas 4 limitedasitsofficialscontend,therefusaltoinvestigateabusescommitted"bytheother   side"isseverelymisleadinginthecontextofjointoperations,inwhich_MINUSTAH_Ԁis   necessarily_complicit_.Wereitnotfor_MINUSTAH_'spresence,protection,and  equipment,the_HNP_Ԁlikelycouldnotconductitsneighborhoodsweepsinthefirstplace.  _MINUSTAH_Ԁthusbearssignificantresponsibilityforanyandallabusesinjoint  operations.l(#(#   0 `  ` (#` (# 0  Themostcharitableassessmentof_MINUSTAH_Ԁwithregardtothepolicereformportion D! ofitsmandateisoneofutterineffectiveness.Farmoredisconcertingisthewidespread 0"  evidencethat_MINUSTAH_Ԁmayhaveactuallyfacilitatedandexacerbatedpoliceabuses, #l! especiallyduringjointoperations.Byprovidingprotectionandequipmenttothe_HNP_, $X" andbyrefusingtotakeresponsibilityortoholdthe_HNP_Ԁtoaccountfortheabusesits $D # officerscommitduringtheseoperations,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasengagedinadangerousform %0!$ ofcomplicity.Suchcomplicityviolatestheletterandspiritof_MINUSTAH_'smandate, &"% and,indeed,pervertstheentireenterpriseofU.N.peacekeeping.'#&(#(# 0  TheNationalPenitentiary,inPort-au-Prince,isyetanotherstainonHaiti'sinterim )$( governmentandasymbolofthefailuresof_MINUSTAH_,whosemandaterequiresitto |*%) assistwiththe"re-establishmentofthecorrectionssystem."Despiterepeatedwarnings h+&* aboutinhumaneprisonconditionsandserioussecurityrisks,neither_CIVPOL_Ԁnor  _MINUSTAH_Ԁhasmadesubstantialeffortstoremedythesituation.Theirneglectcameto  fruitiononFebruary19,2005,whenarmedassailantsattackedtheNationalPenitentiary,  andnearlyhalfofthefacility'smorethan1,000prisonersescaped.t(#(# 0  Theattackhappenedinbroaddaylight,at3:15p.m.onaSaturdayafternoon.Newspaper L  reportshavesuggestedthattheprisonbreakwastheworkofonlyahandfulofassailants 8  who,armedwithautomaticweapons,simplyenteredthroughtheprison'sfrontdoors.As $ t nooneinsidetheprisonwasshot,Haitianofficialsassumethatprisonguardswere  ` _complicit_. L (#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_'sactsofomissionshouldnotbeoverlooked.Inthemonthsprecedingthe $  outbreak,amplewarningsaboutthecrisisinthepenitentiarycameto_MINUSTAH_.As   notedinSectionIV.B.1,inNovember2004,_UNDP_ԀrepresentativeRegis_Charron_Ԁissueda   report,hetoldourdelegation,thatwarnedthattheprisonwasonthevergeofcatastrophe.   ЀHisfearswererealizedonDecember1,2004,when,asnotedearlier,tenprisonerswere   killed,anddozensmoreinjured,inamassacre.OnDecember16,2004,Mr._Charron_ p deliveredapresentationto_CIVPOL_Ԁonthemassacreanditscauses.Nearlyonemonth \ later,_CIVPOL_Ԁcontactedhimtoinvestigatetheincident;theirresponsewasinadequate, H Mr._Charron_Ԁtoldus.4(#(# 0  Intheroughlythreemonthsbetweenthemassacreandtheoutbreak,otherssoundedalarm  \ bells.Sonny_Marcellus_,theformerprisonwarden,toldonereporterhehadrequested H extra_MINUSTAH_Ԁtroopstoguardthepenitentiarytwodaysbeforetheescape;in 4 addition,weeksearlier,thewardenallegedlyrequestedmorepersonnel,ammunitionand   guns.ThemerefactofthemassacreitselfshouldhavesoundedthealarmforU.N.   authorities.U.S.AmbassadorJamesFoleyputitwellinastatementtotheMiamiHerald,  notingthat"[_g]iven_ԀthattherewasanattemptedbreakoutoftheprisononDecember1,  it'sunclearwhyitwasn'tbe_tter_Ԁguardedbynationalorinternationalauthorities,"hetolda  reporter.l(#(# 0  Prisonconditionsthemselvesshouldhaveput_MINUSTAH_Ԁauthoritiesonnotice.AsMr. D! _Charron_Ԁtoldus,andashumanrightsgroupsinHaitihavedocumented,conditionsatthe 0"  NationalPenitentiaryhavebeeninhumane,andhaddeterioratedfurtheroverthepastfew #l! months.Asnotedearlier,lessthantwopercentofitsmorethan1,000_incarcerees_Ԁhave $X" beenconvictedofanycrime.Cellsareovercrowded;somecontainthreetimesasmany $D # prisonersastheyweredesignedtosupport.Mattressesarescarce,evenfortuberculosis %0!$ patientsattheinfirmary.Sanitationandplumbingfacilitiesaregrosslyinsufficient. &"% Thereisnotenoughfood,andwhatfoodexistsisoflowquality.Theenvironment '#& offeredtheperfectbreedinggroundforchaosandresistance,accordingtoMr._Charron_. (#' "Thekindof...sub-humanconditionsputinmatesinthe_mindset_Ԁofrevolt,"Mr. )$( _Charron_ԀtoldourJanuarydelegation.|*%)(#(#  h+&* 0  TheprisonescapeofFebruary19hasbeendescribedas"astonishing."Evenmore  astonishingwasthefailureof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtopreventtheoutbreak.Althoughrepeatedly  warnedofimpendingcatastrophe-bya_UNDP_Ԁofficer,byprisonofficials,byamassacre,  andbyhorrificprisonconditions-_MINUSTAH_Ԁfailedtotakeevenminimalstepstoavert t disaster.`(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_'sprolongedfailuretoimplementacomprehensiveDisarmament, 8  DemobilizationandReintegration("_DDR_")programhasbeenamplydocumentedand $ t roundlycriticized.Asofthiswriting,_MINUSTAH_Ԁstillhadnotinstituteda  ` comprehensivedisarmamentcampaign,norhaditeffectivelypressedtheHaitianinterim  L  governmenttodoso._MINUSTAH_'sfailurein_DDR_Ԁviolatestheletterandspiritofits  8  mandateinatleastthreeways.First,notcollectingarmshasallowedterrortoflourishin $  manyareas,especiallyinpoorneighborhoods.Second,theactionsof_MINUSTAH_Ԁand   theinterimgovernmentthatcouldgenerouslybecharacterizedasdisarmament-namely,   compensationpaymentstoformermilitaryandneighborhoodsweeps-contravenethe   spiritof_MINUSTAH_'smandate.Thepaymentsthreatentoentrenchthe_FAd'H_Ԁfurther,   whileneighborhoodsweepstendtotargetpoor_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersonly,thusfosteringa p climateofone-sidednessandimpunity.Third,_MINUSTAH_'sfailuretoinstitute \ disarmamentinatimelymannerhasjeopardizedtherestorationoftheruleoflawin H Haiti,andisaspecialthreattothefreedomandfairnessoftheelectionsslatedforlate 4 2005.Unless_MINUSTAH_Ԁquicklyimplementsacomprehensiveandevenlyapplied  p disarmamentplan,thefutureofhumanrightsdevelopmentinHaitiwillbefurther  \ undermined.H(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁisdividedintothreesections:oneismilitary;twoothersaredevotedto   civilianmatters,suchashumanrights,civilianpolicing,humanitarianaffairs,and_DDR_.   Mostof_MINUSTAH_'sprogresshasbeenintheareaofmilitarymatters;_DDR_,likeother  civilianaspectsof_MINUSTAH_'smission,haslanguished."Uptonow,therehasbeenno  disarmament,"aseniorgovernmentofficialadmittedcandidlytousinJanuary.(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁestimatesthatthereare13,000to18,000illegalweaponsinHaiti,andabout X  25,000potentialparticipantsinadisarmamentprogram.However,atthetimeofthe D! writingofthisreport,morethaneightmonthsafter_MINUSTAH_'sarrival,its 0"  Disarmament,DemobilizationandReintegrationcampaignremainedinitsplanning #l! stages.OnlyinFebruary2005,morethansevenmonthsafter_MINUSTAH_'sdeployment, $X" hadthetransitionalgovernmentformedaplanningorganizationfordisarmament,the $D # NationalCommissionfor_DDR_.%0!$(#(# 0  AlthoughithelpedlaunchtheNationalCommission,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasdonelittleoutside '#& theboardroom.Aplanningpresentationpreparedby_MINUSTAH_Ԁgravelypredictsthat (#' _DDR_Ԁwillrequire"amultidimensional,innovativeandholisticapproach"andlaysouta )$( processthatwouldmixvoluntaryandinvoluntarydisarmament,createdisarmament |*%) centerswhereex-combatantswouldreceivejobtraininginreturnforlayingdowntheir h+&* arms,anddestroyillegallyheldweapons.Welaudthesetentativeplanstowardsthe  establishmentofadisarmamentprogram.Butthefactthat_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasfailedtotake  stepsnecessarytoimplementtheirplansisprofoundlydisturbing.(#(# 0  Officialsfromthegovernmentand_MINUSTAH_Ԁofferseveralreasonsfortheshocking ` delayindisarmament.Raymond_Lafontant_,Jr.,thenasenioradvisortoInterimPrime L  MinisterGerard_Latortue_,toldourJanuarydelegationthatdisarmamentrequiresthe 8  governmentto"makesomedecree,orpassalaw,todothesethings.Whatwillbethe $ t protocol?"Nosuchlaw,decreeorprotocolhasbeenannounced,hetoldus:"Wethink  ` about[disarmament],butwedon'thaveadocumentforit.Inacountrylikeours,  L  [disarmament]willbealongprocess-itwon'tbedoneinthreemonths.That'swhywe're  8  makingplans,proposingideas,negotiating,dialoguing,onhowtodealwiththissubject $  'disarmament.'"Mr._Lafontant_ԀfurtherprovidedthatHaitiansareculturallyattachedto   weapons,makingdisarmamentaparticularlyhardsell."Allourhistorywehavehad   weaponsinourhands.Thosewhowouldtakeawayourweapons,"hesaid,"wouldforce   ustobecomeslaves." (#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_Ԁofficialsinthe_DDR_Ԁdepartmentofferedourdelegationsimilar,comparably \ specious,justificationsforthedifficultiesanddelaysindisarmingthepopulation. H "Constraints"listedinthe_DDR_Ԁdepartment'splanningdocumentsincludeacultural 4 "affinitytotheweapon"and"violenceblessedbyVoodoo."Acomparablesenseof  p futilitypervades_MINUSTAH_'smilitaryforce.Lt.CarlosChagastoldusthat  \ disarmamenteffortsthusfarhavebeenlargelyineffective,collectingonlyaminor H quantityofweapons,becausethevastmajorityofarmsaresmall,andeasilyhidden. 4 "Forceddisarmamentismosteffectiveforbigweapons,"hetoldus. (#(# 0  Anotherof_MINUSTAH_'sexplanationsforitsdelayinimplementinga_DDR_Ԁprogramis  thefamiliarrefrainthatthepeacekeepersweresimplynotpreparedforthediresecurity  situationthatawaitedthemuponarrival,andthattheslowroll-outoftroopstoHaiti  furtherimpeded_MINUSTAH_'sprogressoncivilianmatters,including_DDR_.Inthis l context,_MINUSTAH_Ԁand_CIVPOL_Ԁofficialstoldus,thetroopswererequiredtodoasort X  oftriage:firststabilizingtheenvironment,andthenproceedingtocivilianmatters,such D! as_DDR_.0" (#(# 0  ButthetroopshavebeenuptonearlyfullcapacitysinceDecember.Notmaking $X" disarmamentapriorityhashadadisastrouseffectonthewell-beingoftheHaitianpeople, $D # especiallythepoor.Disarmament,afterall,isnotmerelyacivilianmatter,butone %0!$ inextricablytiedtosecurityandstability.Indeed,theonlyactivitiesthatthegovernment &"% and_MINUSTAH_Ԁcastasdisarmament-confiscationofillegalweaponsduring '#& neighborhoodsweepsby_MINUSTAH_Ԁandthe_HNP_,andtheinterimgovernment's (#' paymentstotheformermilitary-actuallyerodethecountry'sstabilityandsecurity. )$( Further,theyarescarcelypartofthecomprehensive,evenlyappliedprogramenvisioned |*%) bySecurityCouncilResolution1542.h+&*(#(# Ї0  InDecember2004,theinterimgovernmentpaidtotheformermilitarythefirstofthree  installmentsofanindemnity,allegedlycompensationforthemilitary's"illegal"  disbandingbyformerPresidentAristidein1994.Commentatorshavesuggestedthatthe  interimgovernmentis,inessence,attemptingtocurryfavorwiththeformersoldiers, t whomInterimPrimeMinisterGerard_Latortue_Ԁcalled"freedomfighters"shortlyafterlast ` year'scoup,andtodissuadethesoldiersfromoverthrowingitsregime.Itisestimated L  thatthepayments,intendedtoreachbetween5,000and8,000formersoldiers,willcost 8  U.S.$29million.Haitianauthoritiesdidnotlinkthefirstinstallmenttotheformer $ t military'sturnoverofweapons.However,theinterimgovernmenthaspledgedthatfurther  ` _payouts_Ԁwillbeconditionedfirst,ontheformermilitary'sexitfromlocalpolicestations,  L  andsecond,ontheturnoveroftheirweapons. 8 (#(# 0  Despitetheinterimgovernment'sinsistencethatthepaymentispartofitsdisarmament   plan,thestrategysetsadangerousprecedent.AU.S.embassyofficialtoldusthatthe   government'spaymentstoformermilitary-withoutrequiring,inreturn,thatthe   ex-soldierstogiveuptheirweapons-"is,attheveryleast,troublesomeinourview."   Indeed,payingthemilitaryanindemnityfunctionsasanacknowledgmentthattheir p disbandingwasillegal,andthatthemilitaryisactuallyentitledtoexist.Farfromlaying \ thegroundworkfortheex-military'seventualdisarmament,theindemnitypayments H actuallyunderminedisarmamentbysignalingthatthemilitaryisentitledtoan 4 institutionalroleandtoitsweapons.Further,payingtheformermilitaryimplicitly  p recognizes,andthusaffirms,thethreattonationalstabilitythattheformermilitary,given  \ itshistoryoftopplinggovernments,represents.Asitis,theformermilitaryconsiders H itselfexemptfromanydisarmamentcampaign_MINUSTAH_Ԁwouldstart."We'renot 4 coveredby_MINUSTAH_'sdisarmamentmandate,"Felix_Wilso_,nationalspokesmanfor   _FAd'H_,toldourJanuarydelegation.Demandingnothinginreturnfor"backpay"   legitimizestheformermilitary'sstance,whilepubliclyunderscoringtheinterim  government'scowardice.(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_'sneighborhoodsweepsrepresentonlyanotherofitshalf-heartedeffortsat l disarmament.Ofteninconjunctionwiththe_HNP_,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasbeenconducting X  operationstoestablishsecurityindowntroddenneighborhoodssuchasBel-Air,_Cit_ D! _Soleil_,lower_Delmas_ԀandLaSaline.Theoperationshaveresultedintheinvoluntary 0"  disarmamentofsuspectedgangmembersandotherswhoareillegallyarmed.Theyhave #l! alsoresultedinscoresofallegedhumanrightsviolations,includingarbitraryarrestsand $X" detentions,unwarrantedsearches,andextrajudicialkillings.Because_MINUSTAH_'s $D # operationsfailtoaddressotherarmedgroups,suchastheex-militaryandanti-_Lavalas_ %0!$ gangs,theyjustifytheperceptionthat_MINUSTAH_Ԁactssolelyagainst_Lavalas_Ԁsupporters, &"% andthuscontributetoaclimateofimpunityandunevenjusticeinHaiti.AsHaitian '#& humanrightsadvocate_Rnan_Ԁ_Hedouville_Ԁtoldus,"[_c]urrently_,thegovernmentdoesnot (#' intendtostartadisarmamentprogramwiththesegroups,withtheexceptionof_Lavalas_.")$((#(# 0  Moreover,therearefewsignsthattheseadhocattemptsatdisarmament,suchasthey h+&* maybeintended,actuallyimprovesecurityinthetargetedneighborhoods.Duringour  Januaryvisit,weobservedthatin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,forinstance,where_MINUSTAH_  peacekeepersseizedcontrolonDecember14,2004andcontinuedtopatrol,residents  werestillthreatenedbygangviolence.Becausegangsstillcontrolledsignificantportions t oftheneighborhood,notablytheentrance,residentsoflower_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_Ԁtoldusthattheir ` movementwithinandoutoftheneighborhoodwasimpeded.Shopsremainedshuttered, L  busesdidnottravelonthemainroad,andfearfulteachersrefusedtocometowork. 8  Marie_Helene_Ԁ_Tatille_,a54-year-oldresidentof_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,toldusthat"[_o]ur_Ԁchildren $ t havenotbeenabletogotoschoolforfourmonths."Sheexplained,"Theschoolinour  ` communityisrunbysisterswholiveinPort-au-Prince,andtheyhavebeenunableto  L  comeherebecausetherehasbeennoregulartransportation."Shecontinued,"Wedonot  8  knowwhenthetransportationwillrunregularlyagain."$ (#(# 0  Thelackoftransportationisnottheonlyimpedimenttoschools'operation-gangviolence   playsasignificantroleaswell.Twenty-four-year-old_Wolker_ԀPaulRoc,aresidentof_Cit_   _Soleil_,toldusthat"[_a]s_Ԁsoonasthereisafeelingofcalm,afeelingthatthingsaregetting   better,thegangs[fromupper_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_]startshootingagainandpeoplebecomeafraid p toenterthecommunity."\(#(# 0  Civiliancasualtiesin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,asinotherpoorneighborhoods,canalsobetracedtothe 4 failureof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtoimplementacomprehensivedisarmamentprogram,asargued  p inseveralcasedescriptionssetforthabove.Thoseaccounts,however,bynomeans  \ standalone.Asofthewritingofthisreport,newspapersaccountstoldofmounting H deathsandinjuriesfromgangwarfare.Oneespeciallyheadline-grabbingstoryinvolved 4 thedeathsoffourandinjuriesofnineduringashoot-outoutsidetheNationalPalace,   whileformerU.S.SecretaryofStateColinPowellwastherevisiting.OnJanuary14,   2005,duringourdelegation'sJanuaryvisittoHaiti,tworeportersfromLa_Nouveliste_  wereseverelybeatenbygangsinBel-Airandhadtobehospitalizedfortheirinjuries.(#(# 0  Thesewell-publicizedcases,asnoted,aremerelythetipofanicebergthatalltoooften l slamsintopoorneighborhoods.Newspaperreportsofferestimatesrangingfrom100to X  406civilianskilledasaresultofgunviolenceinHaitianslumssinceSeptember30,2004. D! ЀOurdelegationinterviewedpoliticalleadersinpoorneighborhoodswhocitedafar 0"  highernumberofcasualties.JohnJosephJoel,acommunityleaderin_Cit_Ԁ_Soleil_,told #l! ourdelegationthatfifty-oneindividualshadbeenkilledintheareabetweenSeptember $X" 30,2004andJanuary12,2005,thedateofourinterview.Samba_Boukman_,anactivist $D # leaderinBel-Air,gaveourdelegationthenamesofeighty-fourpeoplefromBel-Air %0!$ allegedlymissingintheperiodbetweenthecoupandDecember14,2004.BothMr.Joel &"% andMr._Boukman_Ԁcorroboratedtheirclaimswithcarefullyhand-writtenortypedlists.'#&(#(# 0  Evenmoretroublingareallegationsthat_MINUSTAH_'sneighborhoodsweepsand )$( operationshavethemselvesresultedinciviliancasualties.Ourdelegationinterviewed |*%) severalallegedvictims,and/ortheirgrievingfamilymembers,of_MINUSTAH_'s h+&* neighborhoodsweeps,asdetailedabove.(#(# 0  Ifallegationsof_MINUSTAH_Ԁcomplicityinciviliandeathsaretrue,then_MINUSTAH_'s  neighborhoodsweepsandtheirstraybulletshavedirectlycausedciviliancasualties.But t evenif_MINUSTAH_'sstandardaccountistobebelieved-thatis,ifcivilianswerekilledby ` bulletsdischargedfromgangmembers'guns,not_MINUSTAH_'s-thesedeaths,asnoted L  aboveinthecaseoftwo-year-old_Herlens_ԀHenri,canstillbetracedto_MINUSTAH_'s 8  failuretofulfillitsmandatedresponsibilityofdisarminggangmembers.Finally,ongoing $ t violencebyarmedmembersofsocietygives_MINUSTAH_Ԁaneasyout:had_MINUSTAH_  ` implementedaneffectivedisarmamentprogramearlyon,itwouldhavebeenharderfor  L  theforcetoattributeciviliancasualtiestogangs. 8 (#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_'sprolongedfailuretodisarmhasresultedinongoingviolenceinpoor   neighborhoods,anresultthatisalarminginandofitself.Theviolence,however,is   furthercompoundedbythefactthatmostHaitians-especiallytheurbanpoor-lackaccess   tosafemedicaltreatment.ArandombulletinPort-au-Prince'sslumsthusdoesmore   damagethanitwouldinadevelopedcountry.Insomeareas,showingupatahospital p withabulletwoundleavespatientsvulnerabletopoliceabuse.Onalargerlevel,Haiti \ doesnothavethelegalinfrastructuretoprosecutecrimescommittedbyillegalguns:the H NationalPenitentiaryisnotoriouslyovercrowded,andanenormousjudicialbacklog 4 meansthatmanyprisonersnevercometotrial. p(#(# 0  Moreover,_MINUSTAH_'sfailuretodisarmthepopulationeffectivelyleavescivilians H livingunderconstantthreatand,accordingly,moreinclinedtosupporttheformer 4 military.Thoughillegallyarmed,counter-democratic,andhistoricallypronetocommit   humanrightsabuses,theformermilitaryhasgainedsupportfromsomesegmentsofthe   Haitianpopulation,whoreasonthatthemilitaryatleastprovidessecuritytociviliansin  someHaitiancities.Sympathiestowardtheformermilitaryexistamongtherural  population,urbanelites,andeveninthehighestcorridorsofpoliticalpower."Asweare  rightnow,weneedanarmy,"Raymond_Lafontant_,Jr.,advisortointerimPrimeMinister l _Latortue_,toldourdelegation.Amongthereasonshecitedwastheneedtocontain X  insurgentsandbandits.Thattheinterimgovernmentreliesonanillegitimatelyarmed D! forcetomaintainlawandordersaysmuchabout_MINUSTAH_'sfailuretosecurethe 0"  countryinalegalmanner.#l!(#(# 0  Finally,theprolongedfailureof_MINUSTAH_Ԁtodisarmallarmedfactions $D # comprehensively-andthesecurityvacuumthatfailurecreates-augurspoorlyforthe %0!$ upcomingelections.ThefirstroundofpresidentialelectionsisscheduledforNovember &"% 13,2005,lessthaneightmonthsfromthepublicationofthisreport.Thegreaterthe '#& numberofformermilitary,anti-_Lavalas_Ԁgangsand_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersthatremainarmed, (#' thelesslikelyelectionswillbefree,fairandrepresentativeoftheHaitianpeople'svoices. )$( As_CARICOM_ԀnotedinarecentstatementonHaiti,"[_t]he_Ԁproliferationofillegallyarmed |*%) groupsandtheiractivitiesconstituteamajorobstacletostability.Disarmamentand h+&* reintegrationmustbegivenpriorityattentiontocreateasecurityenvironmentconducive  toopencampaigningandcredibleelections."Inparticular,astheformermilitarystill  controlslargeswathsofthecountryside-aswellasaccesstotheballot-boxesinthose  areas-untilex-_FAd'H_Ԁmembersaredisarmed,theirpresencewillcontinuetoposea t seriousthreattothefreedomandfairnessoftheelectionprocess.`(#(# 0  Pervasive,illegalarms,however,constituteonlyoneofseveralthreatstoelections.The 8  climateofimpunityposesanequallyrealdanger.Thelackofredressforcrimes $ t committedagainst_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersjustifiablycontributetotheirincreasingsenseof  ` alienation.Asthepresentreportwasbeingwritten,itwasestimatedthatcloseto100  L  partieswouldcontestthepresidentialelections;someninety-onepartieshadalready  8  registeredwiththegovernment.Inanindicationof_Lavalas_'disenchantmentwiththe $  politicalprocess,thelistofcandidatesdidnotincludeasinglecandidatefromAristide's   formerparty,_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_. (#(# 0  Theinterimgovernmenthasmadeafewstatementsaboutitsdesiretoinclude_Lavalas_Ԁin   rebuildingHaiti'sdemocracy,buttheongoingtargetingof_Lavalas_Ԁsupportersbeliesits p publicly_reconciliatory_Ԁstance.Thecontradictionisglaring."Thereisagreatcampaign \ ofpersecutionagainst_Lavalas_.Ifthisgovernmentwantsadialogue,theyhavetofree H thesepoliticalprisoners,"former_Lavalas_ԀlawmakerGerardGiles,detainedbrieflyby 4 governmentauthoritiesinOctober,toldtheChicagoTribuneinDecember2004. p(#(# 0  InterimPrimeMinister_Latortue_'spostureoflaissez-faireinclusivenessisinadequateto H mitigatethealienationanddefactodisenfranchisementthatmany_Lavalasiens_Ԁexperience 4 daily.Tothem,Aristide'sdeparturewasthesecondousterofthepresidenttheyelected   twice.Moreproactiveoutreachisrequired.Asthisreportwasbeingwritten,U.N.   authoritiesinHaitiwerebeginningapotentiallymorevigorousdialogueprocess.Inlate  February2005,SpecialEnvoyJuanGabriel_Valds_Ԁannouncedplanstobeginanational  "dialogue"inMarch,organizedbytheU.N.,thatwould"includeallstakeholders,"  including_Fanmi_Ԁ_Lavalas_Ԁmembers.However,itremainedunclearexactlyhowextensive l outreachto_Lavalas_Ԁsupporterswouldbe.X (#(#   CONCLUSION 0"  0  Armedwitharobustmandate,_MINUSTAH_ԀhasthepotentialtoendHaiti'scyclesof $X" violence,developfairanddemocraticinstitutions,andnurtureaculturethathonorsand $D # promoteshumanrights.IntheeightmonthssincetheU.N.peacekeepingtroops %0!$ disembarkedinHaiti,however,theyhavefailedtoupholdeithertheletterorthespiritof &"% theirmandate,asprescribedinSecurityCouncilResolution1542.Despiteoneofthe '#& strongesthumanrightsmandatesinthehistoryofU.N.peacekeepingoperations, (#' _MINUSTAH_Ԁhasnoteffectivelyinvestigatedorreportedhumanrightsabuses;norhasit )$( protectedhumanrightsadvocates.ChargedtotrainandreformtheHaitianNational |*%) Police,_MINUSTAH_Ԁinsteadhasprovidedunquestioningsupporttopoliceoperationsthat h+&* haveresultedin_warrantless_Ԁarrestsanddetentions,unintendedciviliancasualtiesand  deliberateextrajudicialkillings.Ratherthanheedingitsdirectivetoprotectcivilians  fromimminentviolence,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhasinsteadinflictedstraybulletsonthem.  Disarmamentisatthecoreof_MINUSTAH_'ssecurityandstabilizationduties,but t _MINUSTAH_'sdisarmamentworkthusfarhastranspiredonlyinconferencerooms.In ` consequence,Haitiisruledbygunsandterror,notlaw.L (#(# 0  Thesefailingsresultnotfromaweakmandate,butfromaweakpoliticalwill.Although $ t initiallyhamperedbytheslowdeploymentofforces,_MINUSTAH_Ԁhadnearlyreached  ` mandatedstaffinglevelsbyJanuary2005. L (#(# 0  Thetimeforexcusesisover.Haititeetersonthebrinkofpermanentfailedstatehood, $  andthefirstroundofpresidentialelections,scheduledforeightmonthsfromnow,looms   darkly.Toensurethatelectionsaresafe,freeandfair,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmustadoptamore   muscularstancetowarditsmandatedobligations.First,_MINUSTAH_Ԁmustpushthe   TransitionalGovernmenttoimplementits_DDR_Ԁplanimmediately;otherwise,itisalltoo   easytopredictthatillegallyarmedgroups,especiallytheformermilitaryandurban p gangs,willsubvertthedemocraticprocess._MINUSTAH_Ԁmustalsoaddresstheongoing \ persecutionof_Lavalas_ԀsupportersandleadersanddemandthattheTransitional H Governmentendimpunityfortheperpetratorsofpoliticalviolence.Additionally, 4 _MINUSTAH_ԀmusttakemoreseriouslyitsobligationtoreformtheHaitianNational  p Policeandstopprovidingblindsupporttothe_HNP_'sabusivepractices.Finally,  \ _MINUSTAH_Ԁmusthonorthehumanrightsobligationsthatinformandcolortheentirety H ofitsmandateanditsveryexistenceasU.N.peacekeepingforce.4(#(# 0  _MINUSTAH_ԀoffersenormouspotentialtostaveoffdisasterinHaitiandtoimplement   long-termreforms.Unfortunately,ithassquanderedmuchofthepasteightmonths.We  deeplyhopethatthenexteight,andbeyond,willbedifferent.(#(#  "30"  32#  49  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup,_CrisisWatch_ԀDatabase,reportonmonthlyconflict l developmentsinHaiti,(March2005). X  http://_www.crisisgroup.org_/home/_index.cfm?action_=_cw_search_&l=1&t=1&_cw_coun D! try_=46&_cw_date_=3݌0" (#(# Ќ  0  TensionsbetweenHaitianpoliceandformermilitaryescalated:policestormedformer $X" militarycompoundonhuntforleaderofHaitianex-soldiers,afterkillingof4policemen, $D # allegedlybyformermilitary.SupportersofformerpresidentAristidesaidwouldboycott %0!$ pollssetforOctoberandNovemberifso-calledpoliticalattackscontinue.ThreeUN &"% peacekeepersshotat,lightlywounded28Februaryincapital.Asmanyas500prisoners '#& escapedPort-au-Princejail19Februaryafterarmedmenbrokeinwithsuspectedinside (#' help.Escapeisseriousblowfortransitionalgovernmentandfor_MINUSTAH_, )$( _symbolising_Ԁfragilityofsecuritysituation.UNannouncedinquiryintoallegedrapeof |*%) Haitianwomanby3Pakistanipolicemen.h+&*(#(# 0   (#(# "31"  32 2#  50  .3  0    BBCNews, DivisionsderailHaitioneyearon,(February28,2005).  4O  5  Fhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4298127.stm6O,alas  7Lfj32 _ ݌(#(# Ќ  0  AyearafterPresidentJean-BertrandAristidewasousted,thesmallCaribbeannationof ` Haitiisingridlock.L (#(# 0  Infact,thesituation-politically,economicallyandintermsofsecurity-hasdeteriorated $ t dramatically,saysColin_Granderson_,theheadoftheUN-ledcivilianmissioninHaiti  ` from1993to2000,whoisnowonthesecretariatof_Caricom_,theorganizationof  L  Caribbeanstates. 8 (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Securityisattheheartoftheproblem.DespiteaUNpeacekeepingforceofover7,000   soldiersandcivilianpolice,theinterimgovernmenthasstruggledtoassertcontrol. (#(# 0  RemnantsofthemilitarywhichMrAristidedisbandedin1995roamthecountrysideand   havebecomethedefactoauthorityinmanytownsoutsidethecapitalPort-au-Prince.p(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Meanwhile,pro-Aristidegangsrunmanyurbanslums.H(#(# 0   (#(# 0  AddedtothemixarethecriminalgangswhichthriveonHaiti'sroleasastagingpostfor  p cocaineshipmentsfromSouthAmericatotheUS. \(#(# 0   (#(# 0  Ifyougodowntown,totheslums,youareexposedtogreatdanger,theheadofthe 4 HaitianJournalists'Association_Guyler_Ԁ_Delva_ԀtoldtheBBCNewswebsite. (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Youcouldbehitbyabulletatanytime.(#(# 0   (#(# 0  WhileleadersofMrAristide's_Lavalas_ԀFamilypartylanguishinjailwithoutcharge,gangs  opposedtoMrAristidekill,burnhousesandcommitawfulcrimeswithapparent l impunity,saidMr_Devla_.X (#(# 0   (#(# 0  Thisexactingofretributiononthe_Lavalas_Ԁparty,whichstillhasaconsiderablefollowing, 0"  hasruledoutanyprocessofnationalreconciliation,hesays. #l!(#(# "32"  32#  51  .3  0    BBCNews, AristideslongshadowoverHaiti,(February28,2005).3݌$D #(#(# Ќ  0  AmajorforceforinstabilityinHaitiisthefactthatmanypeoplestillsupporttheirousted &"% formerleader.'#&(#(# 0   (#(# 0  ViolenceeruptedinBelAironMondaywhenpro-AristidegroupsclashedwithHaitian )$( police.Twopeoplewerekilled. |*%)(#(#  h+&* "33"  3t2#  52  .3  0    BostonGlobe, AmongHaitians,policeareseenasadeadlyforce,(February27,  2005 ).   http://_www.boston.com_/news/world/_latinamerica_/articles/2005/02/27/_among_haitian  s_police_are_seen_as_a_deadly_force_/ 3t݌x(#(# Ќ  0  NearlyoneyearafterUSMarinesescortedformerpresidentJeanBertrandAristidefrom P  Haiti,humanrightsobserverssaystatesponsoredabuseshavecontinuedoreven <  escalatedundertheinterimgovernment.( x(#(#  "34"  32#  53  .3  0    BBCNews, JailraidHaitianofficialsheld,(February20,2005).#X8XXX8#X8XXX8  P  4 O  5   http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4280997.stm66!OJ!  7 f!3 ݌ < (#(# Ќ  0  AUNspokesmansaidformerPrimeMinster_Yvon_ԀNeptuneandexInteriorMinister   _Jocelerme_Ԁ_Privert_ԀwerenowinthehandsofUNpeacekeepers. (#(# 0  Theywereamonghundredswhoescapedafterashootoutatthenationalpenitentiary,   whichleftaguarddead.t(#(# 0  UnresthasgrownsincePresidentJeanBertrandAristidefledHaitilastyear.L(#(# 0  AUNpeacekeepingforcewassenttoHaitiaftertheoustedpresidentleftinFebruary $t 2004butviolencebetweenhissupportersandthecurrentgovernmentcontinuestobea ` problem.L(#(#  "35"  <( 4 <DLX<    3%2#  54  .3  0    _CNN.com_, 350inmatesescapeHaitianprison,(February19,2005).3%{&݌$(#(# Ќ  0  Morethan350detaineesescapedfromHaitislargestprisonSaturdayafternoon,after  armedmaskedmenintwovansbrokethroughbarricadesandattackedthefacility,  accordingtopoliceandeyewitnessreports.(#(#   0  Policesaidatleastoneguardwaskilled.\ (#(# 0  U.N.peacekeepers,whoweresentintoHaitilastyeartoquellpoliticalviolencewracking 4"  theCaribbeannation,helpedrestoreorderattheprison. #p!(#(#    FR.,US.,"36"  3*2#  55  .3  0    Informationtakenfromthe_OPL_Ԁwebsiteat4isO  5  !www.oplpeople.com/home.html.6*O*and  7isl 8+Ԁ(Last $H # visited2/15/05)3*B*݌%4!$(#(# Ќ     ` US.,FR.,)   Whatis_OPL_?  ' #&    Abstract:Informationgatheredfromtheirwebsite:http://www.oplpeople.com/home.html )$(   _OPL_ԀcomesfromPEOPLE,_lorganization_Ԁdu_Peuple_Ԁen_Lutte_ l+&* Ї0  TheOrganizationforthepeopleinStruggle,orthe Politicalorganizationfor_Lavalas_  wasatrendrepresentedsince1991withinthe_Lavalas_Ԁmovement._OPL_Ԁgraduallyparted  fromthe_Lavalas_Ԁmovement,givingbirththereforetoimportantandseriouspolitical  differences.t(#(# 0  ThepartychangeditsnamefromthePoliticalPartyfor_Lavalas_ԀtothePoliticalPartyfor L  thePeopleinStruggle,_lOrganization_Ԁdu_Peuple_.Itbecametheprincipalopposition 8  groupto_Lavalas_.$ t(#(# 0  Duringthedifficultestablishmentofdemocraticinstitutionsfollowingthe1987  L  Constitution,thedifferencesbetween_OPL_Ԁandthe_Lavalas_Ԁmovementbecamemoreand  8  moreimportant._OPL_ԀbecamemoreandmorecriticalofPresidentsAristideand_Prval_. $  Itspolitical,economicandsocialreformsproposalsalsobecamemorecritical. (#(#   _OPL_Ԁcandidateswereelectedthroughoutthecountry.       Politicalprojectof_OPL_  p  0  Thedescriptionofthepoliticalprojectcanbefindonthewebsite: H 4isO  5  V+K      5http://www.oplpeople.com/home.htmlK5and      6[5o5alat_  7is5,clickon leprojetpolitiquedelOPL4(#(#     0  Theprojectopensonacriticalstatementregardingthestateofthecountry:itdenounces  \ issuessuchaspoverty,socialconditionsorecologicalproblems.OPLstatesitidentifies H itselfwiththedeepestwishesoftheNationandhopes,alongwithHaitians,forabrighter 4 future. (#(# 0  Theprojectadvocatesfortheenforcementoftheruleoflaw,aneconomicdevelopment,  democratizationoftheinstitutionsandtheblossomingoftheHaitianculture.(#(# 0  Chapter1:Socialcrisisandtheurgencytogetoutofitl(#(#     0  Thischapterdealswiththeimportanceofdemocracyandtheneedfordemocratizationof D! theinstitutions.Italsotackleseconomicissuessuchasdevelopmentandtheneedto 0"  reformagriculture#l!(#(#   Chapter2:Instrumentandstrategiesforchange $D #       0  ThischapterexplainsthatOPLIattheserviceofthepeopleofHaitiandisreadytohelp &"% withtheimplementationofreforms.Italsodealswiththepoliticaldifferencesbetween '#& theLavalaspartyandOPL.OPLseesitsactionsasthelastbarriersagaintanti (#' democratization.ItexplainthatthedivorcewiththeLavalasmovemententailedthe )$( distinctionbetweentwomovements,LavalasandOPL,andbetweentwodifferents |*%) projects:OPLsaysitstrugglesagainsttraditionalnetworkohsupport,arbitrarydecisions, h+&* incompetence,favoritismandallkindofviolationsoftheconstitutionandoftherightsof  thepeople.(#(#   ItalsoexplainsthatOPLwishestoworkwiththehelpofthesociety. x  t     Chapter3:PoliticalProject L      rebuildastatethatwouldprovideservicestothenation $ t     Improverelationsbetweenstateandcivilsociety  `   Reformthepublicadministration  L    Reformjustice  8    Actfordevelopment $    Helpruraleconomy     Developnationalinfrastructures     Putthehumanandsocioculturalresourcesunderthespotlight     Education     Improvehealthpolicies p  "37"  3B2#  56  .3  0    TheMiamiHerald, PeacekeepersHaveyettoDisarmHaitiGangs,(February11, H 2005). Ӏ 3BB݌4(#(# Ќ  W,R4$X dd<W 0  AnddespiteallofitsrecentprogressinpacifyingpartsofHaitiandsettingupnewbases < inPortauPrinceslumsoftencontrolledbyproAristidegunmen,MINUSTAHstillhas ( beenunabletoeffectivelydisarmgangsofAristidesupportersandfoes.(#(# o&  "38"  W,R4$X ddW<( 4 <DLX<3E2#  57  .3  0    AssociatedPress, Haitianradiojournalistsaysheandhisfamilymoved,fearsfor  hislifeafterbeingshot,(February9,2005).4d8O  5  E6K      G#X8XXX8!#X8XXX8http://haiti  info.com/article.php3?id_article=3313KHficu      6GG  7dG #X8XXX8H#X8XXX83EF݌t(#(# Ќ  <( 4 <DLX<   <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8X8XXX8  W,R4$X ddLWJ  0  AHaitianradiojournalistwhowasshotinthehandfourdaysagosaidTuesdayheand L hisfamilyhavemovedtoadifferenthousebecausehefearsforhislife.JK݌8 (#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX   W,R4$X dd$!tW0  The40yearoldreportersaiditwastoodarktoseehisattackers.Buthesaidhereceived $!t deaththreatsoverthephonelastmonthaftercriticizinginterimPrimeMinisterGerard "` Latortuesgovernmentfornotdoingenoughtohelpthepoorandfailingtocrackdownon "L  corruption.[8]Reportersfaceintimidationfromgovernmentofficialsandloyalistson #8! bothsides,saidJosephGuylerDelva,theheadoftheHaitianJournalistsAssociation.$$ "(#(# "39"  3O2#  58  .3  0    TheGlobeandtheMail, HaitisLatortueenvisionssuccesswhereothersseeonlya &!$ failedstate,(February8,2005).3OO݌'"%(#(# Ќ    <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8  W,R4$X ddp)$W Q  0  Mr.AristidewasoustedinabloodyuprisinglastFebruary,ledbyformersoldiersand p)$' armedrebels.Criminalgangsloyaltohimcontinuetocontrolportionsofthecapital, \*%(  whileformersoldiersstilloccupysomepolicestationsandbarracks.Morethan200 H+&) peoplehavediedinstreetviolenceinthepastthreemonths,includingseveralpolice  officers. QQ݌(#(#  X8XXX8   XX   W,R4$X ddtW0  Mr.Latortuesgovernmentinheritedthisviolentculture,aswellasacorruptpoliceforce t andadysfunctionaljudiciary.Theinterimleaderhasyettodealwiththethornyissueof ` disarmingtheexsoldiersandganglords,althoughherecentlyagreedtocompensate L  someformersoldiersforbackpay,andtogivethempensions.Thecountryisstillawash 8  inillegalweapons,however,andobserverscriticizeMr.Latortueforfailingtoreconcile $ t withformermembersofMr.Aristidesgovernment,someofwhomareinjailawaiting  ` trial. `   L (#(# W,R4$X dd$ W0  Atthesametime,themythofMr.Aristidesreturnhangsoverthepoorslums,inciting $  demonstrationsthatoftenturnviolent.  (#(# "3:"    <( 4 <DLX<W,R4$X dd WFRUS.,3X2#  59  .3  0    InternationalCrisisGroup, HaitisTransition:HangingintheBalance,   (February8,2005).4d O  5  oHhttp://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3255&l=16ZOZ  77(!Z3XY݌ (#(# Ќ   l<` US.,FR.,Y  <( 4 <DLX<  0  UKUS.,#__ddAlmostayearaftertheabruptdepartureofformerPresidentAristide,thepolitical,securityand \ socialeconomicsituationinHaitiremainsincrisis.#dd__US.,UK.,\hX8p , ,p#aadd  X8X,#X8XhX8I#X8XhX8] #ddaaX8XXX8X8XXX8  UKUS.,#__ddԀThetransitionalgovernmentisweakand H fightingtomaintaincredibility,andtherearenoclearsignsofeitherpoliticalreconciliationor 4 economicreconstruction.Violencecriminal,scoresettlingandpoliticalisstillextremely  p high.Theinitiativeforanationaldialoguejointlyendorsedbythetransitionalgovernmentand  \ theinternationalcommunityishinderedbypoliticalpolarisation,humanrightsabuses(someby H rogueelementsoftheHaitianNationalPolice,HNP),andillegaldetentionsofAristidesupporters. 4 #dd__US.,UK.,_ `  (#(#  l<` <( 4 <DLX<0  UKUS.,#__ddTheUnitedNationsStabilisationMission#aa__Ԁ#ffaainHaiti(MINUSTAH)andthetransitional   governmentmustaddresscontinuingcitizen#aaffinsecurity,bothinthecountrysidewhereformer  #ddaamilitarystilloperatewithweaponsandinthe#__ddurbanslumswherearmedgangsidentifiedmostly  #aa__butnotexclusivelywithAristide'sparty,FanmiLavalas,#ddaaUS.,UK.,bhX8,p , ,p#aadd  dd_#ddaaX8XX8XXX8  UKUS.,#aaddԀvieforturf,moneyandpower.#ddaaUS.,UK.,f(#(#  z\<( 4 <DLX< 0  UKUS.,#ffddTheoverwhelmingmajorityofcitizensliveinpoverty,needjobs,food,healthandjustice, X  andfrustrationisbuilding.#ddffUS.,UK.,$gD!(#(# <( 4 <DLX<UKUS.,#__dd g 0  Securityremainsfragilebecausethearmedgroupsarefarfromdismantled,although #l! MINUSTAHhasbeguntotakeamorerobustapproach,routingsomeofthegangsinoneofthe $X" biggestslumsofthecapital,removingtheexmilitarywhohadoccupiedAristide'sabandoned $D # residence,andreactingpromptlywhentheexmilitaryretaliatedbyoccupyingseveralpolice %0!$ stationsaroundthecountry.Producingeffectiveandimpartialnationallawenforcementand &"% justicesystemsisanabsolutepriority,butinthenearandmediumtermonlyMINUSTAHcan '#& guaranteeanysecurity.#dd__US.,UK.,[h(#'(#(#   0  FRUS.,Thetransitionalgovernmenthasgrownweakeroverthelastmonthsasithasfacedstrong |*%) criticismfrommanysectors,includingformersupporters.Widespreadcomplaintsare h+&* comingfromtheprivatesector(notablytheChamberofCommerceandtheCentrefor  FreeEnterpriseandDemocracy(CentrepourlaLibreEntrepriseetlaDmocratie,CLED)  andfromtheGroupof184.Someleadersofthelatterindicatedatonepointanintention  toorganisedemonstrationsdemandingthegovernment'sresignation.Insteadof t acknowledginganeedtoreachoutandestablishmoreregularcontactswithkeysectorsof ` civilsociety,PrimeMinisterLatortue'sbluntlynegativeresponsetocriticismhasfurther L  exacerbatedpoliticaltensions.8 (#(# US.,FR.,k h  <( 4 <DLX<0  UKUS.,#^^ddChangingtheprimeministeralsowouldundoubtedlycausenewparalysisinpublicadministration  ` becauseoftheadditionalstaffchangesthatwouldfollow.Forthatreasonalone,theinternational  L  communityappearstoremainbehindPrimeMinisterLatortuebutitisdeeplyconcernedwhether  8  hecanquicklydealwithindicationsofcorruptioninpartsofhisadministration,risingreportsof $  humanrightsviolationsandtheperceivedinclinationofsometousetheirpowertosettlescoreswith   enemies,particularlyLavalas. (#(# 0  TheUS.,UK.,o FRUS.,transitionalgovernmentitselfhasbeenimplicatedinhumanrightsabuses,includingarbitrary O  arrests,androgueHNPelementsallegedlyhavebeeninvolvedinsummaryexecutionsandsome ; rapes.TheInter-AmericanCommissiononHumanRights(IACHR)hasexpresseditsconcernabout 'w thehumanrightssituationandshouldbeurgentlyinvestigatingrecentabuses.Amnesty c Internationalandotherhumanrightsgroupshavepublisheddamningreports.O(#(# 0  Ofparticularconcernarechargesofsummaryexecutionsinpopulousneighbourhoods--including ' murderofstreetchildren--andthekillingofatleastteninmatesinthecentralprisonof  Port-au-Princeon1December2004.Policeclaimedthelatterwerekilledafterattackingprison  guardsandotherinmateswhileattemptingtoescape.AlthoughHaitianandinternationalhuman  rightsorganizationshaveattributedallthesekillingstoHNPofficers,thegovernmenthasfailedto  conductproperinvestigations.s(#(# 0  WhiletheDecember2004eventswereimportant,thesecuritysituationisstillfarfromstable. K Elementslinkedtodrugtrafficking,maybebehindmuchofthecurrentwaveofviolence.Pursuit 7 ofobjectivesbypromotingviolencehasalongtraditioninHaitianpoliticsandbusiness.Whilea # s significantnumberofgangsallegedlyareassociatedwithLavalas,thereareincreasingreportsthat !_ somearmedgroups,especiallyintheCitSoleilandDelmasareasofthecapital,havetiestothe !K businesscommunityandotherpoliticalparties. p "7 (#(#  r 0  Improvingthesecuritysituation,therefore,requiresbreakingthelinksbetweenthepolitical,business $ " anddrug-traffickingelementsthatsupportthegangs.% #(#(# 0   (#(# 0  TheHNP--seriouslydiscredited,corruptedandallegedlyinvolvedincriminalactivitiesincluding '"% kidnappings--presentsakeyproblem.o(#&(#(# US.,FR.,r z<( 4 <DLX< 0  UKUS.,Theurbanandruralpoorthevastmajorityofthepopulationperceiveonlylimited G*%( improvementsintheirlives.Formalunemploymentisreportedlyashighas70percent,withmost 3+&) workersengagedintheshadowyinformalsectorinurbanareasandinsubsistencefarming.US.,UK.,},o'*(#(#    l<` <( 4 <DLX<FRUS.,    `  "3;"  US.,FR.,~<( 4 <DLX<352#  60  .3  0    RadioKiskeya, FormerAristideGangleaderRevealsArmsNetwork,(February3,  2005).4urD O  5  Zhttp://www.haitipolicy.org/content/2845.htm6Or  7ԀՀ35݌(#(# Ќ  | 0  AboutthisstatementsenttousinanaudiorecordingbyLavalasmilitantOuancheLuc,weare ` goingtolisten,justbeforethe'Seen'segment,tothisstatementthatgivesusinformationonthe L  mechanismthathasbeensetupforperpetratingcrimesandactsofviolencethroughoutthe 8  countryandinparticularinPortauPrincesincethemonthofSeptember2004.OuancheLuc,a $ t wellknownmilitantoftheLavalasFamilyandofpeople'sorganizations,inparticularofthe  ` FrustratedBase,hascalledonFLpartisanswhohethinksdonotapproveoftheorientationof  L  otherelementsofthisparty'sgrassroots.Hecallsonthemtopubliclytakeastandandsetaside  8  theirreservations.$ (#(#    FRUS.,"3<"  32#  61  .3  0    HaitiDemocracyPUS.,FR.,FRUS.,roject,US.,FR.,wFRUS., US.,FR.,FRUS.,Violence,InscuritEtUS.,FR.,܆FRUS.,ViolationDesDroitsHumains:LaUS.,FR., FRUS.,   NationalCommissionforHumanRightsLanceUnS.O.S US.,FR.,lԁ FRUS., ,2fUS.,FR.,FRUS.,vrier2005US.,FR.,.Haiti   DemocracyProject, Violence,InsecurityandViolationofHumanRights:theNational   CommissionforHumanRightssendsanSOS,(February2,2005).3݌t(#(# Ќ    <( 4 <DLX<X8XXX8X8XXX8  0  f  FRUS.,LaCoalitionNationalepourlesDroitsdesHa5tiens(NCHR)estprofondmentproccupepar L lapersistanceduclimatdeviolence,d'inscuritetd'impunitdanslepaysetparlasituation 8 alarmantequisvitauniveaudescentresdedtentionetdertentiondelacapitaleetdesvilles $t deprovince.f!݌`(#(# ЌX8XXX8   XX   0  US.,FR.,@FRUS.,Cetteviolenceestl'uvredediversgroupesarms,telsque:despartisansUS.,FR.,FRUS.,LavalasUS.,FR.,FRUS.,Ԁetpoliciers 8 renvoysdel'institutionpolicire,desanciensmilitairesetdespartisansdel'ancienneopposition $ Aristide,desmembresduUS.,FR.,5FRUS.,FrontdeRsistanceUS.,FR.,FRUS.,,ceuxduUS.,FR.,]FRUS.,Frontpourl'AvancementetleProgrs  d'Ha5tiUS.,FR.,FRUS.,Ԁ(FRAPH)etdesgangsarms.(#(# 0  US.,FR., FRUS.,L'AppareilJudiciaire,laPoliceNationaled'Ha5ti(PNH)ontunegranderesponsabilitdansle  climatd'impunitrgnantdanslepays.US.,FR.,~_FRUS.,p(#(# 0  US.,FR.,TheNationalCoalitionfortheRightsforHaitians(NCHR)isdeeplyworriedaboutthe H! persistingclimateofviolence,insecurityandimpunityinthecountryandbythealarming 4"  situationindetentioncentersandretentioncentersofthecapitalandtheprovincialcities. #p!(#(# 0  Theviolenceresultsofarmedgroupssuchas:partisansofLavalasandpolicemenfiredfromthe $H # policeinstitution,exmilitariesandpartisansoftheoldoppositiontoAristide,membersofthe %4!$ FrontdeRsistance,membersoftheFrontpourl'AvancementetleProgrsd'Ha5ti(FRAPH) & "% andarmedgangs.' #&(#(# 0  TheJudicialSystemandtheNationalPoliceofHaiti(PNH)havealargeresponsibilityinthis )$( climateofimpunitythatlivesthroughoutthecountry. p   *%)(#(#  l+&*  ܅"3="  <( 4 <DLX< 32#  62  .3  0    HaitiProgrs, Lecarnival:untestpourleselections?,2fvrier2005.HaitiProgrs,   TheCarnivalperiod:atestfortheelections?,(February2,2005).3݌(#(# Ќ    0  DanslesquartierspopulairesdeBelAir,Solino,LaSaline,FortNational,CitdeDieu,Martissant, t Lamentin,CarrefouretCitSoleil,lesforcesrpressivessmentledeuil[8]lapriode ` carnavalesqueconstitueunbontestpourvoirsipendantcetempslesforcesdel ordre russiront L  rduireausilencelesmasses.8 (#(#   0  InthepopularareasofBelAir,Solino,FortNational,CitdeDieu,Martissant,Lamentin,  ` CarrefouretCitduSoleil,therepressiveforcescreatemourning[8]thecarnivalperiodisa  L  goodtesttoseeifduringthatperiodtheforcesof order(inthefrenchforcesdelordreoften  8  meansthepolice)willbeabletoreducetosilencethemasses.$ (#(#  z "3>"  32#  63  .3  0    CouncilonHemisphericAffairs, HaitisUpcomingElections:FanmiLavalasoptsout   unlessLatortuehaltsStatesponsoredTerrorism,(February2,2005). 3݌ (#(# Ќ    0   (#(# 0  Lavalas'decisiontonotparticipateisadirectresultofthesuppressioncarriedoutagainstparty p supportersbyparamilitaryfactionsandgangleaderswhogettheirmarchingordersfromthe \ Latortuegovernment.NewevidencerevealsinterimHaitianPrimeMinisterGerardLatortue'sde H factopolicyofrestoring"DuvalierismwithoutDuvalier.4(#(# 0  SincethefirstdayWashingtoninstalledhiminpower,Latortuehastakenafiercelyadversarial  \ positiontowardsAristide'sFanmiLavalaspoliticalparty.ByworkingwiththeantiAristide H oppositiontoextinguishLavalas,herepudiateshisclaimthatheisforfree,fairandopenelections.4(#(#  ښ 0  TheCouncilonHemisphericAffairsrepeatedlyhascalledattentiontotheLatortuegovernment's   brutalsuppressionandillegalimprisonmentofLavalassupporters.Wealreadyknewthat,according  totheCatholicChurch'sJusticeandPeaceCommission,thereareanestimated700political  prisonerslanguishinginHaitianjails,includingformerPrimeMinisterYvonNeptuneandformer  MinisteroftheInteriorJocelermePrivert.Theinterimgovernmentevenhadtheaudacityto l imprisonthecountry'smostreveredCatholicpriest,FatherJeanJuste,thoughhewasrecently X  released.WealsoknewthathundredsofHaitians,mostlyfromLavalasneighborhoods,havebeen D! killedsincethecoup. 0" (#(#  "3?"  3O2#  64  .3  0    Dacruz,Judy,InstituteforJusticeandDemocracyinHaiti, UrgentAction,Police $X" Killings,(February1,2005).3O|݌$D #(#(# Ќ  ɟ 0  Asaresultofviolentacts,mayresidentshavebeenforcedtoleavethetargetedzone.Manyno &"% longerhaveahousetoliveinwhileothersareterrifiedasthepoliceofficerswhohavebeen '#& persecutingthezonehaveindicatedthattheywillcomebackto cleanthearea.(#'(#(#  ¤ 0  PoliceofficerswereagainoperationintheneighborhoodonSundaynight.Heavycontinuous |*%) shootingscouldbeheardcomingfromthezone.ResidentscalledrequestingtoinformMINUSTAH h+&* troopstobesentthereinordertoprotectthemfromthepolice.(#(#    "3@"  3ԧ2#  65  .3  0    U.S.DepartmentofState,BureauofDemocracy,HumanRights,andLabor,Country  ReportsonHumanRightsPractices2004,Haiti,(February2005). t 4ԀO  5  http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41764.htm6O)   7,0g3ԧ݌`(#(# Ќ  ȧ0  AntiGovernmentarmedrebelsalongwithmembersoftheformermilitary(FadH),manyofwhom 8  hadpreviouslybeenimplicatedinhumanrightsabuses,mountedamajorinsurgencybeginningin $ t earlyFebruary,ultimatelyresultinginPresidentAristide'sresignationanddeparturefromthe  ` countryonFebruary29.Atthetimeofhisdeparture,governmentandpublicsecurityinstitutions  L  hardlyfunctioned.BonifaceAlexandre,ChiefJusticeoftheSupremeCourt,assumedofficeas  8  interimPresidentinaccordancewiththeConstitution.OnMarch4,aTripartiteCouncilwasformed, $  consistingofonerepresentativeeachfromAristide'sFanmiLavalasParty(FL),theopposition   movement'sDemocraticPlatform,andtheinternationalcommunity.TheTripartiteCouncilchose   asevenmemberCouncilofEminentPersons,withrepresentativesfromtheCatholicChurch,   humanrightsgroups,academia,theprivatesector,theoppositionumbrellagroupDemocratic   Convergence,andFanmiLavalas,toselectanewprimeminister.OnMarch17,GerardLatortue p wasinstalledasPrimeMinisteroftheInterimGovernmentofHaiti(IGOH)uponrecommendation \ fromtheCouncilOfEminentPersonstoPresidentAlexandre.TheConstitutionprovidesforan H independentjudiciary;however,underAristide'sgovernment,itwassubjecttointerferencebythe 4 executiveandlegislativebranchesandremainedlargelyweakandcorrupt.UndertheIGOH,the  p judicialsystemcontinuedtobehamperedbytheweaknessesinheritedfromtheprevious  \ government,butwasnotsubjecttointerferencesfromotherbranchesoftheGovernment.The H instabilityinthecountryimmediatelyfollowingPresidentAristide'sdeparturemadethejustice 4 systeminoperativeforafewmonths.Duringtheremainderoftheyear,manyjudgesfeared   retributionfromrebelsandgangsfromacrossthepoliticalspectrum. (#(#  \ 0  TheGovernment'shumanrightsrecordremainedpoor.Duringtheyear,variousactorsperpetrated  numeroushumanrightsabuses,particularlyduringthearmedrevoltandtheauthorityvacuumthat  followed.TherewerecrediblereportsofarbitrarykillingsbysomemembersoftheHNP,theFAd'H l whohelpedforcePresidentAristide'sresignation,andproLavalaspartisansandstreetgangswho X  weresuspectedofbeingpaidandarmedbyPresidentAristideandhissupporters.....D!(#(# 0  OnOctober28,theInterAmericanCommissiononHumanRights(IACHR)"expressed"its #l! concernovertheseriesofviolentconfrontationsthatoccurredbetweenpoliceandillegalarmed $X" gangsinPortAuPrinceduringthemonthofOctober.TheCommissionalsonotedthatithad $D # receivedreportsofarbitraryarrestsanddetentionsofpersonsandthreatsandactsofviolenceand %0!$ intimidationagainsthumanrightsdefendersandjournalists.&"%(#(# 0  Severaltimesduringtheyear,AmnestyInternational(AI)publishedreportsandissuedstatements (#' thatdescribedandcalledfortheendtoacycleofviolencecausedbyarmedgroupsbothopposed )$( andloyaltoformerPresidentAristide.|*%)(#(#  h+&*   0  InNovember,LouisJoinet,U.N.IndependentExpertonHumanRightsinHaiti,remarkedthatthe  governmentalpresenceoutsideofthecapitalwasnonexistent.Joinetnotedtheweakandcorrupt  stateofthejusticesystem,andhecautionedthattheHNPmustfollowtheletterofthelawinthe  executionoftheirduties,suchasobtainingarrestwarrantsbeforemakingarrests.t(#(# 0  InNovemberandDecember,U.N.SecretaryGeneralKofiAnnanandotherforeigngovernment L  officialscalledupontheIGOHtocreateamoresecureenvironmentwithinthecountryandtoensure 8  thatalldetaineesreceivedfullconstitutionalprotections.TheIGOH'scapacitytodosoremained $ t limitedatyear'send. `(#(#      RESPECTFORHUMANRIGHTS  8    Section1RespectfortheIntegrityofthePerson,Including     FreedomFrom:   0  a.ArbitraryandOtherUnlawfulDeprivationofLife.p(#(# 0  Arbitraryandotherunlawfuldeprivationoflifeperpetratedbystateagentsandotherscontinued H throughouttheyear.MembersoftheHNPcontinuedtocommitarbitraryandunlawfulkillings.In 4 addition,membersofillegalarmedgroupsarbitrarilykilledcitizens. p(#(#  N 0  OnMarch20,fiveHNPofficersarrestedfiveyouthsfromtheproAristideneighborhoodofLa H SalineinPortauPrince.Thefamiliesofthefiveyouths,JeanWeslyEtienne,17,Emmanuel 4 Deronville,20,MonelPierre,23,PierreDorceant,andAbelCherenfant24,claimedthattheywere   leadersofpopularcivicorganizationsthatsupportedAristide.Humanrightsorganizationsclaimed   theyweremembersof"chimere"groups(thugs)whohadparticipatedincrimestogetherwiththe  police;andthatthepolicewereseekingtosilencethem.OnMarch21,theirbodies,bearingsigns  oftorture,werefoundneartheairport.Thefivepolicemenwerearrestedandremainedinjail  awaitingtrialatyear'send.l(#(# 0  OntheeveningofSeptember28,unknownassailantsshotandkilledtwoHNPofficersinapro D! LavalasareaofdowntownPortauPrince.Byyear'send,noonehadbeenarrestedforthekilling.0" (#(# 0  Thereweredeathsinprisonduringtheyear(seeSection1.c.).$X"(#(# 0  Duringtheyear,deathsoccurredduringcivilunrest(seeSection1.g.).%0!$(#(# 0  InNovember,AIcalledupontheGovernmenttoestablishanindependentcommissionofinquiry '#& intosummaryexecutionsattributedtomembersoftheHNP(seeSection1.g.)...(#'(#(# 0  HerbertValmondandCarlDorelien,formerFAd'Hcolonelsconvictedinabsentiain2000for |*%) premeditatedhomicideinconnectionwiththe1994Raboteaumassacre,escapedfromthenational h+&* penitentiaryinthepostFebruary29powervacuum.Theirwhereaboutswereunknownandno  progresswasmadeinthesecasesatyear'send.(#(#  < ?+ ` hp x X?  S+ <  0  FromJanuarythroughApril,asecurityvacuumintheNortheastArtiboniteseatofSt.Michelde + L'Attalayeresultedinviolencebetweenlocalgovernmentauthorities,localtownspeople,and  membersoftheResistanceFront,aheavilyarmedantiAristidegroupnotsanctionedbythe  Government.ByApril25,threepersonsweredeadand163housesburnedordestroyed.<݌ (#(# Ќ  0  b.Disappearancew (#(# 0  Therewerecrediblereportsofpoliticallymotivateddisappearancesduringtheyear.O  (#(# 0  OnFebruary28,WislyFrancique,astudentfromCarrefourwhosupportedtheLavalasregime, 'w  disappearedandremainedmissingatyear'send.c (#(# 0  OnMarch1,JasmyEmmanueldisappearedafterparticipatinginademonstrationinfrontofthe ;  NationalPalaceagainstthedepartureofPresidentAristide.'(#(# 0  Therewerereportsofdisappearancesstemmingfromtheinternalconflict(seeSection1.g.)(#(#   0  Therewerewidespreadkidnappingsbyarmedcriminalelementsofwealthypersonsthroughoutthe  year.Allwereresolvedthroughthepaymentofransom.s(#(# 0  Therewerenodevelopmentsinthedisappearancecasesreportedin2003,includingJuniorJean, K MankesAnalus,PierreFranklinJulien,andOrdonelPaul.7(#(# 0  c.TortureandotherCruel,Inhuman,orDegradingTreatmentorPunishment_(#(# 0  TheConstitutionprohibitssuchactions;however,membersofthesecurityforcescontinuedto 7 violatetheseprovisions,particularlypriortotheresignationofPresidentAristide.Policeofficers # usedexcessiveandsometimesdeadlyforceinmakingarrestsorcontrollingdemonstrationsand  rarelywerepunishedforsuchacts.InJanuaryandFebruary,proPresidentAristidegangmembers   routinelyattackedmembersoftheoppositionanduniversitystudentstopreventthemfrom ! peacefullyexercisingtheirconstitutionalrights.MembersoftheHNPalsousedexcessiveforce, "  suchasshootingandusingteargas,tosuppressdemonstrations(seesection2.b.).o#!(#(# 0  JudieC.Roy,whorepeatedlywastorturedinvariousprisonsduring2003andultimately G% # incarceratedatthePetionvillepolicestationfor"plottingagainstthesecurityoftheState,"escaped 3&!$ fromprisonfollowingPresidentAristide'sdepartureandwasnotrearrested.Therewerenoefforts 'o"% madetorearrestRoyduringtheyear. ([#&(#(# 0  Therewerenodevelopmentsinthe2003tortureinvestigationsofJoselineDesrosesorJonathan )3%( Louime.*&)(#(#  + '* 0  Prisonconditionsworsenedduringtheyear.DuringtheupheavalaroundFebruary29,manypolice  stationsandprisonsaroundthecountryweredamagedordestroyed,andmostprisonswereemptied  ofprisoners.Byyear'send,14of21prisonsaroundthecountrywererehabilitatedandrendered  functional.Analreadyburdenedprisonsystemwasstressedfurtherwithfewerfacilitiestohold t prisoners.Conditionsinthosefacilitiesworsenedand,duetolackofavailablespace,minorsand ` adultsoftenwereheldinthesamecell.L (#(#   0  Prisonersanddetaineescontinuedtosufferfromalackofbasichygiene,malnutrition,poorquality $ t healthcare,and,insomefacilities,24hourconfinement.Mostprisonsperiodicallysufferedfrom