22 April 1996

Press Release

Today is the second anniversary of the massacre carried out against the civilian population of Gonaives' Raboteau district by members of the former Haitian Armed Forces (FADH) and armed civilians of the Revolutionary Front for the Advancement and Progress of Haiti (FRAPH). The toll of dead and wounded has never been precisely determined. On this sad occasion, the OAS/UN International Civilian Mission in Haiti extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of this act of repression, one of the worst carried out during the coup era.

Despite several recent incidents that were the subject of much comment, and despite the structural weaknesses still hampering the work of the judicial system, the anniversary of this tragic event allows us see how far we have come in terms of respect for human rights since the return to constitutional rule.

The improvement in the human rights situation stems from the creation of new institutions, the reinforcement of those already in place, and the resolve and political will shown by the authorities to disallow inacceptable behavior and indiscipline on the part of whose are supposed to protect lives and property.

The criminal proceedings initiated in Gonaives bear witness to the determination of the authorities not to let the Raboteau massacre go unpunished, and give hope to all the victims who want to see the authors of coup-era human rights violations brought to justice. Such crimes cannot remain unpunished if the rule of law and respect for human rights are to be establish in Haiti

(Ref: CP96/04)