|
|
|
ON HAITI BY THE INTER AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Nº 4/04
The Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), now holding its 119th Period of Sessions in Washington DC, strongly deplores the violence that is occurring in Haiti and that is resulting in the loss of lives, the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, and the abuse of human rights.
The Commission issues an urgent appeal to all those groups resorting to violence to resolve differences peacefully, democratically, and constitutionally in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The IACHR calls upon all groups to respect human rights and to cease the use of violence to advance political goals. Those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable.
The Commission also appeals to the international community to respond quickly to the serious humanitarian situation in Haiti. It calls upon all sides in Haiti’s conflict to facilitate the distribution of food and medicine and to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the children and other vulnerable groups in Haiti. The Commission strongly supports the call of UNICEF to grant special protection to children.
The IACHR stands ready to give whatever assistance it can give within its mandate to alleviate the plight of the Haitian people. In the meantime, the Commission will continue to closely monitor the events unfolding in Haiti.
Washington D.C., February 26, 2004 |
