Strengthening Rule of Law, Accountability, and Acknowledgment in Haiti

Cristián Correa
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Download the briefing paper in English here. Download the briefing paper in French here.

Conclusion

Despite recent progress in establishing political stability, the situation in Haiti remains precarious. The challenges the country faces are not just the result of natural disasters but also of vulnerability caused by impunity for past serious human rights violations and the lack of rights-respecting and responsive state institutions. Examining past violations importantly signals the state’s ability and intention to respect human rights going for-ward. As in other countries that have undertaken similar processes, that examination may require a combination of judicial and nonjudicial mechanisms.

MINUJUSTH’s mandate offers a chance to support Haitian society in these efforts. However, fighting impunity and acknowledging responsibility for human rights viola-tions will face resistance, as it typically does. MINUJUSTH must be equipped to provide that support if efforts towards stabilization and establishment of rule of law are to succeed.