Rights Groups Call on Aristide to Act On Reform Agenda

(Washington, D.C., February 5, 2001) -- Six international human rights organizations called upon incoming Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to adopt a series of important reforms, outlined in a joint statement released today.  

President-elect Aristide's stated commitment to remedy Haiti's current problems will only be meaningful if it is borne out by genuine reform efforts.

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The series of measures, framed as an "agenda for democratic and human rights reform," include investigating and prosecuting acts of political violence, finding a fair solution to the contested elections of 2000, establishing a credible electoral commission, and developing a judicial system that protects fundamental human rights and stays independent of political influence.  
"President-elect Aristide's stated commitment to remedy Haiti's current problems will only be meaningful if it is borne out by genuine reform efforts," says the joint statement.  
 
In 2000, the statement points out, civil and political rights in Haiti were dealt serious blows. Notable among them were government attempts to suppress dissent or otherwise intimidate its opponents, the assassination of Jean L. Dominique, Haiti's most prominent journalist, and the manipulation of the May 2000 parliamentary vote.  
 
The joint statement includes recommendations to the international community, urging countries to press the government of Haiti to demonstrate a clear commitment to upholding and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.  
 
The groups signing the joint statement are: the Center for International Policy, Human Rights Watch, the International Human Rights Law Group, the National Coalition for Haitian Rights, Rights and Democracy, and the Washington Office on Latin America.