Haiti – Politic : OAS report and recommendations on the crisis in Haiti
01/07/2021 09:50:11
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Wednesday, June 30, the Organization of American States (OAS), unveiled the content of its Good Offices Mission report concerning the crisis in Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33948-haiti-politic-moise-seeks-the-support-of-the-oas-for-the-security-of-the-elections.html
In its report, the OAS recommends :
“Any solution to the ongoing political crisis in Haiti requires the efforts of all sectors of Haitian society, including government, opposition, business, religious groups and civil society.
The Mission identified three goals that it believes can contribute to a way forward https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34100-haiti-news-zapping.html :
(1) Prompt appointment of a Prime Minister and Cabinet that will have the confidence of the Haitian people.
A number of recommendations were made by participants on how this goal might be reached. The urgent appointment of a Prime Minister who enjoys the broad support of the Haitian people appears to be a critical step. The Mission urges all political actors to redouble their efforts in this regard and that the appointment of a new Prime Minister and Cabinet be made no later than mid-July.
(2) Urgent steps taken to re-establish a climate of security, in conformity with human rights obligations.
All of those with whom the Mission met expressed grave concern with the worsening security situation in the country. Gang violence is a threat not only to security and economic growth, but also seriously undermines the rule of law and the development of democracy in Haiti.
Those with influence over the activities of gangs in Haiti must bring violence to an immediate end and those responsible must be held to account.
Impunity, lawlessness and high levels of violence have forced people to flee internally to seek refuge. The impact of Covid-19 and ongoing food insecurity add to the humanitarian crisis and are of serious concern.
(3) Appointment of new members to the Provisional Electoral Council to ensure that the Haitian people have confidence in this critical institution and that local, legislative and presidential elections are held this year.
Haiti’s democratic institutions are already in abeyance. In order to avoid a democratic power vacuum, it is critical that all efforts be made to ensure that free and fair elections are held before the end of 2021. This includes the appointment of new members to the Provisional Electoral Council, the establishment of a definitive electoral calendar, accelerated efforts to register voters, and other steps to ensure confidence in the electoral process.
To reach these goals, dialogue amongst relevant sectors of Haitian society must advance with a sense of urgency and purpose, and with a spirit of compromise. Dialogue is a regular part of a healthy political process. However, it should not be a reason for delay, nor should it be an alternative to or substitute for democratic elections and representative democracy. Going forward, the Mission recommends that greater steps be taken to ensure that women and marginalized groups, including LGBTI persons, are equal and active participants in political processes in Haiti. The goals of a representative democracy can only be met with the engagement of all in society.
The Mission also recommends that the Permanent Council remain seized of this issue, and that the Organization of American States continue to accompany the people of Haiti in their efforts in the coming months. The Mission recommends that regular reports be made to the Permanent Council, with the support of the Secretariat, on the implementation of the recommendations in this report. The Mission stands ready to support the Permanent Council if and as requested.
The Mission recommends that other international actors continue to support the people of Haiti in their efforts to realize their full democratic and human rights. Upon request, the international community should continue supporting efforts to restore security, reduce violence and impunity, and support human rights in Haiti, and should also consider assisting with preparations for the elections, building on the work that has been accomplished to date.”
Download the full report of the OAS Mission :
https://scm.oas.org/pdfs/2021/CP44283EREPORTHAITI.pdf
HL/ HaitiLibre
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