As the U.S.-led Multinational Interim Force nears the end of its second week in Haiti, I am writing to convey Human Rights Watch’s views regarding Haiti’s urgent need for security, disarmament and accountability. Given the precarious conditions prevailing in Haiti, we recommend that the interim force take vigorous measures to protect the human rights of the country’s civilian population.

The Community of Democracies should be a caucus of nations committed to the universally recognized human rights without which democracy cannot thrive. It should allow democratic nations to share experiences, to coordinate policies and to reach out to non-governmental actors with similar goals.