As part of the International Day of Human Rights, the ambassadors of the European Union in Haiti: Klaus Peter Schick, German Ambassador, Manuel Hernández Ruigómez, Spanish Ambassador, Patrick Nicoloso, Ambassador of France, Steven Fisher, Ambassador of the United Kingdom and Javier Nino Pérez, Ambassador of the European Union reaffirmed in a joint statement, their support for the promotion of human rights in Haiti.

Joint Statement :

"On the occasion of the International Day of Human Rights, the ambassadors of the European Union in Haiti reaffirm their strong support for the promotion of human rights in Haiti.

The Haitian society is facing significant challenges, including the fight against the violence against women, children and the discriminated communities for their sexual orientation, as well as the need to improve the administration of justice in order to reduce the number of prolonged pretrial detention.

Respect and move forward the enjoyment of human rights constitutes a responsibility shared by all sectors of society whose, in the front row, the State. In this regard, the EU welcomes the renewed commitment of the Government of Haiti to address the problem of overcrowding and pretrial detention.

Protect human rights also implies protect its defenders. The European Union is concerned when civil society and lawyers that protect human rights, are subject to threats and even physical attacks. Firmness in law enforcement, supported by a professional police force, is essential to ensure that civil society actors can perform their duties in good safety conditions.

In this context, the EU reiterates its support to the state and civil society to strengthen the rule of law. Through, specifically, its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), the EU allocates on average each year more than 1 million euros to support actions in the areas of human rights in Haiti. These actions are mainly implemented through partnerships between Haitian and international NGOs and aimed at strengthening civil society.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna. The Vienna Declaration and

the subsequent Action Programme confirmed the universality of human rights and led to historic advances in their promotion and protection worldwide. The Declaration continues to be an inspiration for the EU.

Human rights are at the heart of the values ​​and principles underpinning Haiti and the European Union and will continue to be the cornerstone of successful partnership that unites us."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/article-10054-haiti-politique-journee-internationale-des-droits-de-l-homme.html (in french)

HL/ HaitiLibre