A/HRC/11/5
72. The independent expert has noted that stereotypes, i.e. society’s portrayal of
women’s and men’s roles, are still deeply rooted in attitudes in Haiti, which is at
variance with the predominant role played by women in the economy and within the
family. He recommends that the Minister on the Status of Women continue and
extend the large-scale campaign to eradicate sexist stereotypes in schools, the media
and advertising.
C. Lynchings
73. The independent expert is concerned about the many cases of direct lynching
and extrajudicial arrest followed by serious acts of violence by the population in
Hinche, Cap-Haïtien, Ouanaminthe, Fort Liberté and Pandiassou. There have been
reports of instances of popular justice, sometimes even involving the killing of
individuals suspected of theft, murder, burglary, kidnapping, witchcraft or other
criminal acts. Several cases have also been brought to his attention concerning
persons burned alive by the people and he has heard many allegations of violence
reportedly committed by members of the CASECs, 10 which in some instances
actually have their own places of detention and assume former policing functions of
district chiefs. Although the increase in cases is not unrelated to the lack of trust in
the capacities of the police and justice authorities, these acts of violence and
lynchings are not investigated and their perpetrators go unpunished. The
independent expert is aware that prosecuting those who commit such acts always
proves difficult since they are part of anonymous crowds and the people very often
collude in not revealing the perpetrators’ names. However, it is necessary for
investigations to be conducted and for a clear signal to be sent out from the highest
government authorities that in a State governed by the rule of law no one is entitled
to take the law into his own hands.
D. Human trafficking
74. The independent expert travelled to the north-east of the country and the
border with the Dominican Republic, in particular to Ouanaminthe, where he
witnessed the major problem of wealth inequality and migratory flows between
Haiti and the Dominican Republic in connection with mass expulsions, labour
exploitation and under-registration of births, which affect a large part of the
population who inhabit or cross this border region.
75. Also, the situation of insecurity caused by organized crime networks and the
limited presence of the State in this region make the border population very
vulnerable to breaches of human rights. The border setting, impunity, lawlessness,
poverty and disorder which characterize this region are gradually contributing to the
creation of new territories defined by exploitation, abuse and human rights
violations, where the value of life and human dignity are challenged daily. Many
reports by international and non-governmental organizations document breaches of
human rights in this area.
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18
Municipal District Administration Councils, i.e. the smallest territorial authority.
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