Haiti: New judicial units must ensure real justice for victims, especially children 

In response to the announcement by Haitian authorities of two new specialized judicial units intended to address, among other issues, serious human rights abuses in Haiti, Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, said: 

“The opening of these specialized judicial units is a necessary step in the fight against the widespread impunity that has enabled serious abuses against thousands of victims in Haiti, including sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children by gangs for criminal purposes.” 

The opening of these specialized judicial units is a necessary step in the fight against the widespread impunity that has enabled serious abuses against thousands of victims in Haiti, including sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children by gangs for criminal purposes.” 

Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International.

Amnesty International expressly called on the Haitian state to prioritize the creation of specialized judicial chambers to investigate and prosecute grave human rights violations in a report on abuses against children in the context of gang violence in Haiti. The authorities must now ensure that these units are independent, have sufficient resources, and are staffed by personnel trained in human rights-based, trauma-informed and child-sensitive procedures. 

The Haitian authorities must also ensure effective protection measures for judges, prosecutors and other judicial personnel, so that they can carry out their duties without threats, reprisals or undue interference. 

The international community must provide technical and financial support to Haiti so that these units can operate effectively, independently and sustainably. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact press@amnesty.org

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