Haitians Launch a National Coalition Aiming to Reform Legal System
IFES-Haiti co-hosted the official launch of the National Coalition for the Reform of Laws, Justice and Judicial Independence on Thursday, August 19, 2004. This launch is the culmination of three years of work with civil society organizations that represent a variety of sectors within Haitian society. IFES-Haiti has worked with members of the legal, media, human rights and business communities to build consensus and momentum for judicial and legal reform. Coalition members plan to enlist organizations in the provinces to join them in advocating for judicial independence and reform. After visiting several provinces, they will develop action plans for their next stage of activity.
The launch attracted a national audience and featured the participation of Haiti’s president, his Excellency Boniface Alexandre; the Prime Minister; the Minister of Justice and Public Security; the USAID/Haiti Mission Director, David Adams; the Ambassador of Taiwan, Hsin-Ping Hsieh; and leaders from other international and local organizations. The Haitian press provided full coverage of the launch and has pledged to continue to do so as the Coalition embarks on its campaign of reform.
Core members of the Coalition include the Federation of Bar Associations of Haiti (FBH), the Association of Haitian Judges (ANAMAH), the Heritage Foundation of Haiti (LFHH), the Lawyers’ Committee for the Respect of Individual Liberties (CARLI), the Toussaint L’Ouverture Center for Human Rights (CTDH), the Association of Women Judges (AHFJ), the Association of Haitian Industries (ADIH), the Faculty of Law of the State University (FDSE), and the Civil Society Initiative (ISC).