Haiti - Justice : Contribution of the United Nations to the Rule of Law (2012)

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Haiti - Justice : Contribution of the United Nations to the Rule of Law (2012)
18/01/2013 10:59:03

The establishment of the rule of law in Haiti remains a challenge, mainly due to dysfunctional institutions (justice, police and prisons). Professional police and accountable justice systems are essential to the stability of the country, and therefore to investments, economic growth and development.

The United Nations supports the strengthening of rule of law through promoting democratic governance, securing the legal and physical security of the population and supporting a functioning public administration.

Key facts and figures :

Security :

285 daily patrols of UN police (UNPol)
700 daily patrols of military contingents on average throughout the country

police staff in 2004 6,676 (6,299 men - 377 women)
police staff in 2012 10,132 (9,325 men - 807 women)

The development plan of the Haitian National Police (PNH) for the period 2012-2016 is approved.

480 Police officers and 20 Magistrates trained on justice for children. (UNICEF)

Creation of a National Coordination Office for Women Affairs and Gender in the PNH. Training on sexual and gender-based violence, human rights and criminal proceedings and investigation offered to PNH and judicial police officers. Gender focal points appointed in 20 commissariats. (MINUSTAH) [UNDP, MINUSTAH]

Creation of a National Coordination Office for Women
Affairs and Gender in the PNH.

The Haitian Customs Surveillance service is now operational in all four land border crossings.

Prison system :
Pre-trial Detention Monitoring Committees put in place in 7 jurisdictions.
New prison in Croix-des-Bouquets opened.

Justice :

Superior Council of the Judiciary established and President of Cour de Cassation appointed.
16 tribunals rehabilitated or built.(MINUSTAH)
Amendments to the Constitution adopted, including provision for a Conseil Constitutionnel and a mandatory 30% minimum women in public life.
Reopening of 4 Legal Aid Offices (BAL) in Port-au-Prince.(MINUSTAH)
Graduation of 20 Magistrates trained in France and in Haiti with French government support.(UNPD)

Protection :

Ministry of Human Rights and the Fight Against Extreme Poverty created.
113 victims of Human Trafficking accompanied by the Brigade De Protection des Mineurs (BPM) and its partners.(IOM, UNICEF)
Organic law for the Office of the Ombudsperson promulgated in July 2012 with UN support.
Creation of spaces for the reception of survivors of gender-based violence in 5 police commissariats in Port-au-Prince.(MINUSTAH)

Challenges and perspectives :
UN efforts will continue to bolster the performance of the police, judiciary and corrections, accompany public administration reform, and strengthen border management capacities.

Beyond reinforcing institutions and good governance, the consolidation of a culture of rule of law is essential to the protection of citizens’ rights.

The establishment and proper functioning of key accountability and oversight mechanisms, such as the Superior Council of the Judiciary, General Inspectorates of the police and the judiciary, Cour de Cassation and Unit for the Fight Against Corruption, is essential.

So are genuine political stability and will to firmly root rule of law in Haiti. This is currently compounded by the fact that many draft laws are awaiting legislative decisions.

HL/ HaitiLibre