US Human Rights Organizations Condemn
Karolo Aparicio, 415 255 7296 x226
Melinda Miles, 240 432 7414 (cell)
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Recent Coup d'Etat Attempt Underscores Need for
International Support of Haiti's Democratically-Elected Government.
A coalition of US-based human rights organizations including Global Exchange, Haiti Reborn of the Quixote Center, Pax Christi USA Haiti Task Force and the Haiti Action Committee join voices with the people of Haiti in their condemnation of the violent attack of the Haitian National Palace on December 17, 2001.
The attackers, brought back frightening memories of the three years of military repression that ended with the restoration of democracy to Haiti in 1994. The group of gunmen took control of the National Palace and killed several people in a firefight before fleeing the scene. According to news sources, at least two guards and two bystanders were killed. News of the attempted coup d'état incited popular uprisings throughout the country. The coalition of human rights groups condemns the coup attempt and all acts of violence that work against peace and democracy in Haiti.
This attack and subsequent uprisings come at a time of unrelenting economic crisis that threatens Haiti's fragile democratic institutions — in place after years of brutally repressive dictatorships. Since the election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide to the presidency of Haiti in November 2000, the economic situation in Haiti has worsened in large part due to the suspension of international aid.
As a result of this economic crisis thousands of Haitians have fled for the US on dangerous, hastily-constructed boats. In the past month, over 200 Haitians have died at sea attempting the dangerous sea voyage. Meanwhile, the justice system and other institutions necessary for the functioning of a democratic society are woefully underfunded. The democratic institutions of Haiti need to be strengthened if the emergent democracy is to succeed.
This coalition of human rights organizations supports the efforts of the United States Congressional Black Caucus to reassess US policy with Haiti and to allow economic aid to Haiti to help the Haitian people strengthen the emergence of democracy in their country. The coalition has initiated a letter-writing campaign to President Bush, to express support for a meeting between the President and the Congressional Black Caucus. These organizations are also asking people to encourage their Congressional representatives to join this crucial push in Congress for a change in US policy towards Haiti. This coalition states that in light of this recent coup attempt,people of conscience in the US and throughout the world need to stand together with the people of Haiti and support their struggle to support democratic principles and to oppose violence.
