The Republic of Haiti should take the necessary measures to ensure the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) declared the Coalition for the ICC.

In a letter dated June 3 to the President Michel Martelly, the Coalition noted the recent findings of the independent UN expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, who presented his report at the 25th session Council of human Rights. In its report, the independent expert, Gustavo Gallon reported that one of the key challenges that have contributed to the commission of violations of human rights in Haiti are the weakness of the rule of law, the need to treat past violations and impunity. In this regard, the Coalition noted recent court decisions that provide an encouraging message of Haiti’s willingness to address such impunity.

Haiti’s task of addressing past human rights violations comes at a crucial time in which the international community must take an important stand against impunity.

"A clear and unequivocal message in this direction can certainly be transmitted by Haiti by joining the ICC," expressed Michelle Reyes Milk, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for the Americas. "Ratification of the Rome Statute is also an opportunity to enhance the national judicial system, given that, under the principle of complementarity, the Rome Statute recognizes the primary jurisdiction of States to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of crimes under International Law included in the Rome Statute."

"Haiti’s ratification of the Rome Statute will not only reaffirm its commitment to international justice but also signifies a key step in the country’s stabilization process, contributing towards the restoration of a society based upon Rule of Law," declared Jelena Pia-Comella, program director at the Coalition for the ICC.

Ratification by Haiti by 1 October would also allow it to participate as a state party in the upcoming 13th Assembly of States Parties, to take place in New York on 8-17 December, and vote in the election of 6 new judges to the ICC bench.

HL/ HaitiLibre