Supporting change through alternative visions of justice in Haiti

 

For years, Haiti has been facing a political, economic, health and security crisis that has fuelled violence and a growing paralysis among public institutions. Every day, the Haitian population is subjected to unprecedented violence from groups of armed civilians. However, given the weakness of Haiti’s judicial system and public institutions, conventional justice is incapable of responding to this new and serious form of violence. The Political Agreement for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition (decree establishing the Transitional Presidential Council of April 3, 2024) plans to create a Truth, Justice and Reparation Commission to shed light on the blood crimes perpetrated in recent years. The transitional and alternative justice mechanisms that were considered remain aspirational for the time being. To ensure their success, rigorous research is needed to clarify the debate and help policymakers lead these efforts. It is these potential gaps in the design and implementation of the Commission and its mechanisms that the project seeks to fill.

Quisqueya University, in collaboration with civil society organizations and academic partners from different regions, will conduct an action-research project using mixed methods and focusing on victims and stakeholders as key players. By addressing past injustices and promoting alternative judicial processes that are more transparent, inclusive and accessible, the project will help build trust between victims, their communities and Haitian public institutions.