PRESS RELEASE   

Nº 25/02

At the invitation of the Haitian Government extended in the framework of OAS Permanent Council resolution CP/RES. 806 (1303/02), the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will visit Haiti from May 28 to 31, 2002, to observe the overall human rights situation in the country. 

          The IACHR is a principal organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the Hemisphere.  Its seven members are elected in a personal capacity by the OAS General Assembly for a four-year term.  The Commission’s terms of reference derive mainly from the American Convention on Human Rights and the OAS Charter, instruments ratified by the Republic of Haiti. 

          The IACHR delegation will consist of Mr. Clare Kameau Roberts, IACHR member and Rapporteur for Haiti; Mr. Santiago Canton, Executive Secretary of the IACHR; Mr. Eduardo Bertoni, Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the IACHR; Ms. Raquel Poitevien, Human Rights Specialist in Haitian Affairs; and Ms. Christina Cerna, Principal Human Rights Specialist of the IACHR Executive Secretariat.  During its stay in Haiti, the Commission will meet with the highest-ranking government officials and with such diverse sectors of the population as political parties, human rights organizations, church representatives, grassroots groups, journalists and media representatives, and alleged victims of human right violations.  It will also meet with the Group of Friends of Haiti and with representatives of international organizations. 

          The Commission is grateful for the cooperation and the facilities provided by the Haitian Government and by nongovernmental organizations, civil society institutions, and international organizations in connection with preparations for its visit, and oce again it expresses its full readiness to cooperate with the democratic governments of the Hemisphere in promoting and protecting human rights.