Oct 11, 2023
Chief Prosecutor, International Criminal Court
Oude Waalsdorperweg 10, 2597 AK
P.O. Box 19519, 2500 CM
The Hague, The Netherlands
Subject: Urgent Appeal Regarding the Grave Humanitarian Crisis in Haiti
Dear Prosecutor,
I am writing to draw your urgent attention to the unfolding crisis in Haiti, which has escalated to alarming proportions, impacting countless lives and destabilizing the region. The attached document, titled “Humanitarian Crisis and Human Rights Violations in Haiti”, compiles substantive evidence and analyses of the egregious human rights violations, potential crimes against humanity, and emerging genocide occurring within the nation.
Pertinent Findings:
- International Sanctions: Several countries, including Canada and the United States,
have imposed rigorous sanctions against individuals from Haiti, illuminating the
global concern pertaining to the escalating situation. - Legislative Actions: The U.S. Senate is considering a bill mandating further
sanctions, underscoring bipartisan acknowledgment of the situation’s gravity. - Humanitarian Impact: There have been extensive reports of widespread
displacement, food and medical shortages, and potential war crimes against civilians. - Global Response: A universal appeal for accountability and intervention echoes from
various international human rights bodies and non-governmental organizations.
Recommendations:
- Preliminary Examination: We advocate for the Office of The Prosecutor (OTP) to commence a preliminary examination into the situation in Haiti, considering the weight of available evidence and the severity of reported crimes.
- Full Investigation: If the preliminary examination provides a reasonable basis, we strongly urge the OTP to launch a full investigation, mirroring its proactive stance in similar past situations.
- Explore avenues to support the International Criminal Court or establish an ad-hoc tribunal to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the crimes against humanity and genocide in Haiti.
We firmly believe that immediate, coordinated action is imperative to prevent further atrocities and to provide relief to the affected population in Haiti. The enclosed document provides a thorough exploration of the current situation and offers a detailed roadmap that we hope will guide subsequent discussions and decisions within the International Criminal Court. Your steadfast leadership and advocacy on this matter could be pivotal in mobilizing the necessary resources and international support to address this crisis. Our team is available for a detailed briefing or to facilitate further discussions on this matter at
your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
We await your guidance on how we can collaborate effectively to address the urgent and grievous situation unfolding in Haiti.
Sincerely,
//EMMANUEL COFFY//
Emmanuel Coffy, Esq.
General Counsel HALEC/HPF
P.O. Box 23224
Washington, DC 20026
www.halec.org
justice@halec.org
cc: United Nations Secretary General
United Nations Security Council
Caribbean Community and Common Market
(CARICOM)
Organization of American States (OAS)
The African Union