HAITI: UN and government must act to end violence

[Said1]

HAITI: UN and government must act to end violence and restore the rule of law
04 Apr 2005 17:40:00 GMT

The security situation in Haiti deteriorated during late March, with a series of violent incidents occurring despite the presence of 7,400 UN troops. The incidents have included attacks on the Provisional Electoral Commission and the UN headquarters, and an ambush on a police car in which three died.

There have been frequent assassinations and assassination attempts on prominent citizens. Violence has disrupted life across the entire metropolitan area. Kidnapping, rape and theft, particularly car theft, are reportedly on the rise. Humanitarian organisations have been forced to restrict their operations. On 29 March, USAID projects and other international aid agencies were forced to close their doors and send staff and personnel home as a measure of precaution.

Meanwhile, reform of the criminal justice system has never got off the ground. High-profile cases have ground to a halt. It is clear to everyone that the law is not being enforced. This has led to increasing anger and frustration in all sectors of Haitian society.

With elections planned for October this year, immediate action is needed to improve security and restore the rule of law. The beginning of the electoral registration process on April 1st renders more effective security measures all the more urgent. ActionAid calls on MINUSTAH, the Brazilian-led UN mission in Haiti:

· to launch an effective disarmament programme · to work in partnership with civil society on security issues · to provide a training and support programme for the Haiti National Police

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