Question Period Note: Socio-political situation in Haiti

The socio-political and security crisis in Haiti exacerbates the difficult living conditions of Haitians.

• Canada remains very concerned by the ongoing political, humanitarian and security situation in Haiti. Canada encourages the Haitian state to re-establish a climate conducive to the respect of human rights for all, both by non-state actors and by law enforcement agencies
• Canada encourages the Government of Haiti to work with all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to find long-lasting solutions and establish the conditions for the conduct of free and fair elections to ensure democratic renewal and a return to constitutional order.
• Canada is concerned with the erosion of the civic space in Haiti and pledges to continue to work with Haiti and the international community to support the aspirations of the Haitian people for a more stable and secure, democratic and prosperous future.
• On March 17, the Organization of American States (OAS), adopted a resolution on the situation in Haiti with the support of several delegations including Haiti and Canada, offering the good offices under the auspices of the Permanent Council.

• The resolution also underscored that OAS members remain deeply concerned by the current crisis in Haiti including political governance; security; social; economic and humanitarian issues.

President Moïse has faced widespread public discontent for more than two years. He has governed by decree since January 13, 2020, following the inability to organize legislative elections in Haiti. Currently, the opposition and the vast majority of civil society argue that the president's term officially ended on February 7, 2021, contrary to government claims that the presidential term ends on February 7, 2022.
In September 2020, President Moïse controversially appointed by decree a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) in charge of organizing the next elections and preparing a referendum on a new constitution. A constitutional referendum is scheduled for June 27, 2021 and the organization of legislative, municipal and presidential elections will take place from September to November 2021 (first presidential and legislative rounds on September 19, 2021). However, the conditions necessary for the holding of credible, free and fair elections are still not in place.
The security climate has deteriorated considerably in recent years, as the country has experienced several cycles of increasingly violent protests. The year 2020 was also marked by an upsurge in gang activity, including kidnappings and assassinations in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, but also in other regions of the country, limiting traffic to several important axes. Impunity is widespread, the Haitian National Police are at the limits of their capacities and police brutality during demonstrations is denounced by the population.
In addition to the socio-political and security crisis, Haiti is facing a severe humanitarian crisis. The humanitarian situation is very worrying. More than 4 million Haitians are food insecure, about 1 million of them severely. Crises related to COVID-19, political insecurity, and social, climate and monetary unrest have contributed to worsening food insecurity, resulting in 42% of the population in a food crisis or emergency.

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