Joint Statement Condemning Increased Repression and Violence by the US, UN and Government of Haiti

New England Human Rights Organization for Haiti (NEHROH) International Action Center - Boston A.N.S.W.E.R. Boston (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism)

October 8, 2004

Contact:  Josue Renaud, NEHROH - 857-829-0892    Steve Gillis, International Action Center - 617-522-6626

The New England Human Rights Organization for Haiti, The International Action Center - Boston and A.N.S.W.E.R. Boston strongly condemn the recent increase in repression by the UN, the US military and the interim government of Haiti.  The recent violence in Port-Au-Prince and other areas of Haiti is indicative of the fact that the people of Haiti do not support the illegal occupation of their country by the U.S./UN.  

This illegitimate government which was installed by the U.S. following the February 29, 2004 coup and kidnapping of Pres. Aristide is responsible, with the complete complicity of the Bush Administration, for the murder of thousands of trade union, community and Fanmi Lavalas activists as well as the imprisonment of thousands more.  Since this coup the living conditions have deteriorated significantly.  While the wealthy are wining and dining, the vast majority of the people are living on less than $1 a day.  The conditions in Gonaives are horrific, with over 3,000 reported killed after tropical storm Jeanne.  The government has been unable or unwilling to provide the necessary aid while the U.S. has only provided $50,000 in aid.   

Just as in Iraq and Palestine, the people of Haiti are fighting back against their occupiers and demanding the return of Pres. Aristide.  We support this struggle and stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Haiti.  We demand the immediate return of the democratically elected President Jean Bertrand Aristide and  the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Prime Minister Yvon Neptune, So-Anne, Senate President Ivon Feuille and leaders of the Confederation of Haitian Workers (CTH).   

Please contact the following organizations for ways that you can provide direct aid to the people of Haiti to help them recover from Jeanne.
Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees

319 Maple Street
Brooklyn, NY 11225
phone: 718-735-4660
fax: 718-735-4664
hwhr@hotmail.com
make checks payable to IFCO/HWHR

Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti
Box 806
Key Biscayne FL 33149
541-432-0597
info@ijdh.org
checks: "Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti" with "Gonaives Hurricane Relief" in the memo line

This statement has been sent to:

U.S. Ambassador to Haiti: James B. Foley
PHONE: 011.222.0200 OR 011.222.0354
FAX: 011.509.223-9038 OR 011.509.223.1641

UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)
PHONE: 011.509.244.9650.9660
FAX: 011.509.244.9366/67