Summary
In 2005, ILAC conducted a post-conflict assessment of the Haitian judicial system.
There is widespread distrust of Haiti’s judicial system and police and a corresponding absence of the rule of law. In reality, there is no effective separation of powers, a limited understanding of the principles of transparency and accountability, little knowledge of contemporary notions of human rights, limited access to legal advice and defence counsel, and unconscionable delays.
Our conclusion is that outsiders cannot solve Haiti’s problems. What is important is a joint sustained commitment to reform by the Government and civil society.
Nonetheless, this report recommends short-term, practical projects that are designed to support the sustainable reform of the Haitian judicial system in the transition period 2005 – 2006.
These projects support independence of the judiciary, gender justice, legal training, legal literacy, and human rights.