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OAS SPECIAL MISSION IN HAITI CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN PORT AU PRINCE

  December 8, 2003

The Special Mission vigourously condemns the violent and unjustified actions in Port au Prince Friday, December 5, 2003, of certain members of popular organizations associated with Fanmi Lavalas in attacking students, property, and facilities of the Faculte de Sciences Humaines de l’UEH et de l’INAGHEI, institutions of higher learning in this nation. On this occasion, the HNP regrettably failed in its duty to serve and protect persons and property .

The GOH through its agents has an obligation to ensure respect for the right of all persons to exercise civil and political rights, including the right to demonstrate, in full compliance with the law.

The Mission calls upon the security, judicial and political authorities to launch an investigation into the events, take urgent steps to bring those concerned to justice and to ensure the prevention of the recurrence of such violence.

The Mission is concerned by the escalating violence across the country which has recently resulted not only in injuries to the Rector, Vice rector, students and other victims at the state university in Port au Prince, but also in wounding of persons and damage to property in Gonaives.

As we approach 10 December, the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Special Mission strongly urges all persons concerned about Haiti to fulfill the terms of this Declaration, acknowledged in the Preamble of the Haitian Constitution, as well as its spirit of mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue.


Reference: HA-12-08E