PRESS RELEASE

 

Nš 1/04

 

 

THE IACHR EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER VIOLENCE IN HAITI

 

 

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) wishes to express its grave concern over the acts of violence that have recently occurred in Haiti and over ongoing civil disorder in certain towns and cities on the island.

 

The IACHR has been informed that various armed groups have attacked police stations and other public institutions in several towns. The fighting between armed groups and government forces is said to have resulted in numerous victims on all sides. There have been reports of several summary executions and other atrocities. 

 

The Commission calls upon all parties involved to refrain from violence and to respect the rights of the inhabitants of Haiti. The IACHR reiterates, as it has in the past, that the State has the right and the duty to guarantee public safety as well as human rights, by resorting only to means that are necessary and commensurate with the circumstances, in accordance with the American Convention on Human Rights.

 

These occurrences constitute grave violations of Human Rights and of the very foundations of the rule of law and of democratic institutions, as described by the American Convention on Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

 

 

Washington, D.C., February 11, 2004