Re: Evel Fanfan and other members of AUMOHD
To: President of Haiti
From: Morris A. Chochla, LRWC Haiti Monitor
Date: 2006-10-26
I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago on behalf of Lawyers Rights Watch Canada (“LRWC”), our committee of Canadian lawyers providing support to advocates whose rights, safety or independence are threatened. It has come to our attention that despite the requests from our organization (and many other organizations), for protection and safety of Evel Fanfan and his family, they have continued to be the subject of intimidation and harassment.
We have also learnt that other members of AUMOHD are subject to intimidation.
The Haitian police have been notified and no action has been taken.
We are concerned that Colin Reginal, the Deputy Executive Secretary of AUMOHD, and Montes Plaisme also of AUMOHD, may be at risk.
We once again urge you to immediately provide the security for these individuals, including all members of AUMOHD and guarantee their safety.
We also request that a full and prompt and impartial investigation into the death threats and intimidation against Evel Fanfan and AUMOHD be undertaken and the results made public with those responsible being brought to justice.
Human rights activists, Bruner Estem, was murdered on the 21st of Septemeber. He was an eye witness to earlier massacres in the neighborhoods of MARTISSANT and Grande Ravine. We call on the appropriate authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into the murder of Bruner Estem and to make the results public.
We once again remind you of the UN Declaration of Rights and responsibilities of individuals, groups and institutions to promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental liberties. This Declaration recognizes the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders and the right to carry out their activities without any fear or reprisals.
We request that immediate action be taken.
