In a statement released today, Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, insists that there are no exceptions in international law in pursuit of those responsible for serious violations of human rights, including torture, summary executions, forced disappearances and rape. "Haiti has an obligation to investigate the well-documented serious human rights violations that occurred during the rule of Mr. Duvalier, and to prosecute those responsible for them", she said and adds "Such systematic violations of rights cannot remain unaddressed. The thousands of Haitians who suffered under this regime deserve justice. I call on the Haitian authorities to send a message to the world that their national courts can ensure accountability for serious violations of human rights, even in difficult humanitarian and political contexts."

Returned on January 16 from his exile in France, "Baby Doc" was charged [48 hours later] by the Haitian judicial of corruption, theft, embezzlement and abuse of power during his years of rule from 1971 to 1986 and left free at the disposal of justice. At least four people have also filed complaints for crimes against humanity, because of the abuse suffered by thousands of opponents during his years in power.

25 years of unanswered questions...

French and American justice(among others) did not do anything serious against the former President Duvalier during his years in exile, while the atrocities committed under his regime (1971-1986) were known and widely documented. It is true that both countries had no interest in a trial where they should have to explain their relationships and their support to this regime...

After 25 years, Duvalier returned to his country and now suddenly the organizations defending human rights wake up! (Amnesty International, International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) and others...) who consider that the immediate detention of Jean Claude Duvalier is essential. The former dictator must indeed face justice for the numerous crimes that can be characterized as crimes against humanity that have characterized his regime.

But where was these organizations during 25 years ? Why were they not with the victims ? If they have fully documented evidence, as they say, how to explain their silence and the impunity of Duvalier ? The UN now says that "Haiti has an obligation to investigate the well-documented serious human rights violations that occurred during the rule of Mr. Duvalier, and to prosecute those responsible for them". This obligation has existed for 25 years ! ined silent all these years and why today feel compelled to react ? Finally, Why justice would be now able to judge Duvalier, while the justice has been powerless to judge it for 25 years ?

See also:

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2150-haiti-duvalier-baby-doc-charged-for-corruption-theft-and-embezzlement.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2152-haiti-duvalier-reactions-of-amnesty-international-to-the-charges-against-baby-doc.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2149-haiti-duvalier-can-we-really-arrest-baby-doc.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-2221-haiti-justice-prosecution-against-duvalier-jean-william-jeanty-septic.html

HL/ HaitiLibre