On 28 March 2025, a pivotal Interactive Dialogue on Haiti unfolded, featuring the insights of High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and UN expert William O’Neill. O’Neill grimly described Port-au-Prince as an ‘open-air prison’, highlighting the rampant gang violence and its devastating impact on the community, including sexual violence, murders, and disruptions to education. He passionately urged the mobilization of resources to support Haiti’s Humanitarian Appeal.
The discussion was further enriched by the High Commissioner’s comments on a recent report from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He expressed concern that the traditional portrayal of gang violence fails to encompass the profound suffering experienced by the Haitian people. Ann-Kathryne Lassegue, a Haitian representative, echoed this sentiment, calling for structured humanitarian partnerships to assist displaced individuals, protect children from harm, aid victims of sexual violence, and restore essential services.
In a compelling joint statement, ISHR, the Haitian Bridge Alliance, and over 50 organisations demanded accountability from the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). They sought acknowledgment of global reparatory justice for the historical impacts of colonialism, slavery, and neo-colonialism, asserting these as fundamental causes of the current migration crisis while condemning the ongoing violations faced by Haitians and individuals of African descent.
Guerline Jozef delivered powerful calls for international support for Haiti, highlighting the need for reclamation of territory and resources. The statement stressed that Haiti requires a decentralised, sustainable ecosystem that protects human rights throughout the nation, undermining the gangs’ control in Port-au-Prince.
There’s an urgent need for States, including the US and the Dominican Republic, to confront ongoing forced deportations and violations of human rights against Haitians. The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination recently called for an immediate cessation of all forced returns of Haitians, emphasizing that these actions constitute human rights violations.
Despite discussions on addressing the roots of migration, WEOG States are often silent concerning the lack of global reparatory justice—a significant factor driving displacement. It’s crucial to recognize that reparatory justice for historical injustices is instrumental in addressing the so-called migration crisis. Haiti deserves restitution and reparations, which are essential for reclaiming its future and achieving genuine self-determination for its people.
The Interactive Dialogue on Haiti, held on 28 March 2025, highlighted the severe humanitarian situation marked by gang violence and human rights abuses. Key figures emphasized the necessity for global reparatory justice as a core solution to the ongoing migration crisis. Various organisations called for strengthened humanitarian partnerships and an end to forced deportations, demanding recognition of historical injustices that contribute to Haiti’s plight.
The call for global reparatory justice highlights the need for accountability for historical injustices and underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. The collaborative efforts of various organisations illuminate the profound connection between reparations and human rights, advocating for a sustainable future where Haitians can reclaim their dignity and resources. Unless systemic changes are made, the cycle of displacement and suffering will continue.
Original Source: ishr.ch
