GENEVA, Switzerland – The UN human rights office, OHCHR, on Tuesday welcomed the opening of two specialised judicial units in Haiti, which marks a significant step toward tackling widespread impunity in the country.
Haiti has been facing long-standing significant challenges due to political instability, systemic corruption and widespread gang violence.
So far this year, gang-related violence has resulted in at least 2,310 deaths, 1,106 injuries, and 99 kidnappings. In addition, 699 people, notably women and young girls, have fallen victim to sexual violence, and hundreds of children continue to be trafficked by gangs.
Courts have been attacked, vandalised and occupied by gangs, while magistrates and justice officials have been the victims of attacks and death threats from these groups.
The two specialised units are expected to address complex corruption cases, including the illicit trade of arms, money laundering, as well as to deal with serious human rights violations and abuses like killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and child trafficking perpetrated by gangs.
These specialised units must be competent, impartial, and independent, both institutionally and individually. This is essential for enhancing public confidence in the justice system. The safety of judges and the security of courts must also be protected.
If functioning correctly, the units should be a stepping stone towards facilitating the accountability process, ensuring that victims have access to justice and reparations. They should also help strengthen the rule of law, address corruption, and restore public confidence in the currently dysfunctional justice system.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk urges the Haitian authorities to quickly implement these units in accordance with international human rights law and best practices, with the support of the international community.