Insecurity increased in Haiti in 2023, with armed gangs controlling 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Princ. Compared to 2022, armed gangs and criminal groups committed more grave human rights violations, including killings, rape, kidnapping and property destruction. The number of reported homicides increased by 119.4 percent, with 4,789 victims, including 465 women, 93 boys and 48 girls. Almost 2,500 individuals were abducted – 80 percent more than last year. Against this background, the number of police officers at the Haitian National Police continued to decline at an alarming rate.
Under the framework of the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law (GFP), UNDP continued to implement the joint support programme for the Haitian National Police (HNP) in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). This programme is a pooling of technical and financial contributions from Canada, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan and the USA. Its objectives are to reinforce the NHP institutional capacities, increase its presence in the country, strengthen the police capacities to fight against armed gangs and improve border control to combat transnational illicit trafficking in arms, ammunition and drugs.
To fight against organized crime and improve security, UNDP increased the operational capacities of the HNP by providing 20 vehicles and 250 motorcycles, as well as protective and maintenance equipment to reinforce patrols. In addition, UNDP supported the establishment of a tactical command center that will enable better planning and management of anti-gang operations. The tactical command center will strengthen the HNP in the context of the deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM).
In collaboration with BINUH, UNDP has relaunched the HNP vetting system to improve the integrity and professional skills of its personnel, and to monitor police achievements. Training sessions for 49 police officers (including 23 women) were organized on case management with regards to gender-based violence.
The GFP umbrella enabled efficient cooperation between UNDP and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) within the project on Supporting accountability for atrocities in Haiti. To put an end to impunity for atrocity crimes in Haiti, UNDP and OHCHR focused on two strategic approaches: strengthening the capacity of national human rights, justice, and security institutions, as well as supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) to advance victims' rights to remedy and advocate for protection measures in the judicial system in line with international human rights standards.
UNDP and OHCHR facilitated training for 65 judges (including 25 women) and 35 police investigators (including seven women) on the provisions of the new Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure with regards to the criminalization of serious human rights violations, legal implications of the new witness protection system, new procedures to improve criminal investigations and prosecutions with a focus on accountability. In addition, over 60 lawyers from the Bureau for Legal Assistance (including 22 women) benefited from an awareness-raising and training session on serious human rights violations and supporting victims and witnesses.
Overall, the justice system in Haiti faces numerous challenges, such as prolonged pretrial detention and frequent paralysis of operations due to attacks of the armed gangs on court, as well as strikes in the sector. Nevertheless, certain progress in justice delivery was documented. Since some political and business operators were sanctioned in 2022, the justice sector saw less political interference.
Under its project on justice and fight against impunity (PAJLI ), UNDP’s strategy was to use the momentum in the sector to improve the integrity of judges and prosecutors. It provided logistical support to the Vetting Commission (CTC) in conducting visits to 32 cities across the country to assess the competence of 80 judges and prosecutors. UNDP also provided training support and procured equipment for the judicial inspection units and assisted in reconnecting the Case Management Information System in seven jurisdictions that aim to oversee the integrity and performance of judges and prosecutors.
Due to UNDP’s support, in 2023, the High Judicial Council processed 111 vetting decisions in 12 months compared to 149 in the 12 previous years.
Following the vetting process facilitated by UNDP’s PUJLI project, some judges and prosecutors were dismissed. According to the anecdotal evidence received from legal professional associations and CSOs, this has contributed to a more transparent, effective and accessible judiciary while also increasing public trust in the sector.
Lessons learned and good practices
Synergies and partnerships were essential to maximize the results and avoid duplication of interventions. The framework of the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law enabled effective collaboration among UNDP, BINUH, UNODC and UN Women. It also allowed flexibility to adapt to the country's volatile context and secure the multinational security support for the Haitian police.
Considering high turnover at the leadership level of the Ministry of Justice (there have been 42 Ministers of Justice in Haiti since 1986), UNDP works with mid-level managers of the Ministry to implement the Case Management Information System.
Looking forward
UNDP will continue supporting the police and the judiciary in Haiti, including by strengthening its operational capacity, increasing police presence across the country, investing in the Documentation Centre of the School of the Judiciary, assisting with recruitment and vetting of judges and prosecutors.