Coalition of Organizations Call on Haiti to Prosecute Jean-Claude Duvalier

As organizations concerned with human rights in Haiti, we call on the Government of Haiti to immediately take steps to investigate and prosecute Jean-Claude Duvalier for human rights violations committed during his 1971-86 rule of Haiti.  Scores of human rights investigations, legal cases, victim testimonies, and in-depth reports provide ample evidence to commence formal proceedings against Jean-Claude Duvalier. While the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute Duvalier rests squarely with the Government of Haiti, we call on the international community to provide all needed assistance to enable Haiti to fully and promptly investigate and prosecute him.  Given the fragile state of Haiti’s infrastructure following the January 12, 2010 earthquake and the current cholera and electoral crises, significant international assistance may be needed.

Click to read more ...

TransAfrica Forum decries Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier’s return to Haiti

TransAfrica Forum, the nation’s oldest African American human rights organization, condemns Jean-Claude Duvalier’s return to Haiti and warns against his involvement in Haiti’s political process at this tenuous time.

With the aid of his supporters in the International community and within Haiti, Duvalier has chosen to return amidst a moment of political, social and economic crisis.  He has no positive role to play and therefore, we must question Duvalier’s motives for returning.

Click to read more ...