Haiti - Universal Periodic Review

UPR 40, January 24, 2022

Recommendations by Canada

Recommendation

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Thank you, Mister President.

Canada notes the efforts that Haiti has made to protect minors in detention and to address domestic child labour, as well as the progress made toward establishing a framework law on gender-related violence, while reiterating the need for renewed action in these areas.

Canada recommends that the Republic of Haiti:

1. Take immediate measures to restore a safe and secure climate in which Haitians can enjoy their basic human rights, including their right to health, work and education. 
2. Increase efforts to guarantee the independence of the judiciary by providing actors with the tools to complete prosecutions relating to acts of corruption and human rights violations, in particular those related to the assassination of President Moïse and President of the Bar Association Dorval.
3. Ensure that human rights defenders, journalists and activists are able to carry out their activities free from coercion, intimidation, reprisals or harassment.
4. Expedite the processing of cases of individuals in prolonged pre-trial detention, and minimize cases of arbitrary detention.

Background

Canada remains concerned about allegations of human rights violations by law enforcement entities and urges the Haitian authorities to ensure that oversight mechanisms within the Haitian National Police enable it to maintain order and security according to human rights principles without abuse or impunity.