In a 29-page report published Tuesday, March 30, on human rights practices in Haiti, the US State Department uncompromisingly criticizes the current Haitian government.

The report states in its introduction "[...] Significant human rights issues included: reports of unlawful and arbitrary killings by gangs allegedly supported and protected by unnamed officials; excessive use of force by police; harsh and life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary and prolonged pretrial detention; a judiciary subject to corruption and outside influence; physical attacks on journalists; widespread corruption and impunity; lack of investigation of and accountability for violence against women; and the worst forms of child labor.

The government rarely took steps to prosecute government and law enforcement officials accused of committing abuses. There were credible reports that officials engaged in corrupt practices, and civil society groups alleged widespread impunity.

Insufficient steps were taken to apprehend or prosecute gang members, including at least one former police officer, accused of orchestrating killings, rapes, and destruction of property [...]"

Download the full report (PDF, English) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/HAITI-2020-HUMAN-RIGHTS-REPORT.pdf

SL/ HaitiLibre