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Port-au-Prince, September 18, 2024 – In a bid to confront long-standing grievances and historical injustices, the Haitian government has taken a significant step by forming the Truth, Justice, and Reparations Commission (CVJR). The commission was officially established during a routine session of the Council of Ministers this Wednesday.
The creation of the CVJR marks an effort by the government to promote accountability, reparations, and reconciliation, as the country faces ongoing challenges with political instability and social inequality. The commission will be led by Gardy Maisonneuve and include six other members, who bring a range of expertise aimed at addressing grievances from various sectors of Haitian society.
This move coincides with the government’s decision to finalize the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). The Council of Ministers appointed nine members, leaving two positions to be filled by civil society organizations focused on human rights and women’s rights. The CEP is crucial for organizing future elections in Haiti, a country that has experienced frequent delays and challenges in electoral processes.
Among those named to the CEP are Schnaida Adély from the Vodou community and Patrick Saint-Hilaire, representing the Episcopal Conference. This diverse composition reflects a broader effort to include various voices and social groups in Haiti’s political processes.
In addition, the government declared September 23, 24, and 25 as national days of mourning in honor of the victims of a fuel truck explosion in Miragoâne. The incident, which occurred on September 14, resulted in multiple fatalities, highlighting the continued vulnerabilities of Haiti’s infrastructure and public safety measures.
The announcements signal the government’s attempt to stabilize the country politically while addressing social and historical grievances, amid the broader context of ongoing challenges in governance and public trust.
