Human Rights Council PRST/ 9/1. Situation of human rights in Haiti At the 22nd meeting, on 24 September 2008, the President of the Council read out the following statement: “1. The Human Rights Council welcomes recent political developments in Haiti, marked by the formation and installation of a new Government. 2. The Council commends the reaffirmation by the Haitian authorities of their commitments and their determination to improve living conditions for Haitians, with a special emphasis on respect for human rights. 3. The Council notes with satisfaction the cooperation between the Haitian National Police and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in curbing violence, crime and banditry. 4. The Council welcomes the adoption of the regulations on the judiciary and the new Act on the High Council of the Judiciary, as well as the reopening of the Judicial Training College. It encourages the authorities to continue their efforts, in particular as regards reinforcing inspection units within the police and justice systems, eliminating prolonged pre-trial detention, introducing a legal aid scheme and strengthening the Office of Citizen Protection. 5. The Council thanks the outgoing independent expert for his important contribution to consolidating the rule of law in Haiti through his judicious recommendations, in particular with regard to judicial reform. 6. The Council is deeply concerned at the deterioration of Haitians’ standard of living and quality of life in recent months, partly as a result of the serious economic crisis and acute food shortage. It deplores the heavy loss of life and material damage caused by the consecutive passage of hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike.