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OHCHR / HAITI TURK HUMAN RIGHTS
STORY: OHCHR / HAITI TURK HUMAN RIGHTS
TRT:
SOURCE: OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 06 MARCH 2024, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / FILE
FILE - GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
1. Wide shot, exteriors, Palais Wilson
06 MARCH 2024, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:
“I urge the international community to act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos. Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The break followed coordinated gang action against national institutions with the stated aim of bringing down the Government. This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured by gang violence. The health system is on the brink of collapse. Hospitals often do not have the capacity to treat those arriving with gunshots wounds. Schools and business are closed, and children are increasingly used by gangs. Economic activity is asphyxiated as gangs impose restrictions on people’s movements. Haiti's biggest provider of drinking water has stopped deliveries. At least 313,000 people are currently internally displaced. Ahead of today’s Security Council meeting, I call once again l for the urgent deployment, with no further delay, of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS), to support the National Police and bring security to the Haitian people, under conditions that comply with international human rights norms and standards. The reality is that, in the current context, there is no realistic alternative available to protect lives. We are simply running out of time.”
FILE - GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
3. Med shot, exteriors, Palais Wilson
The High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today (06 Mar) urged the international community to “act swiftly and decisively to prevent Haiti's further descent into chaos.”
In a video statement, the High Commissioner said, “Last weekend’s mass prison breakout has been described by Haitian officials as a lethal threat to national security. More than 4,500 inmates are now known to have escaped, among them prominent gang members as well as those arrested in connection with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The break followed coordinated gang action against national institutions with the stated aim of bringing down the Government.”
He continued, “This situation is beyond untenable for the people of Haiti. Since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1,193 people were killed, and 692 others were injured by gang violence. The health system is on the brink of collapse. Hospitals often do not have the capacity to treat those arriving with gunshots wounds. Schools and business are closed, and children are increasingly used by gangs. Economic activity is asphyxiated as gangs impose restrictions on people’s movements. Haiti's biggest provider of drinking water has stopped deliveries. At least 313,000 people are currently internally displaced.”
Ahead of today’s Security Council meeting, the human right’s chief called once again for “the urgent deployment, with no further delay, of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti (MSS), to support the National Police and bring security to the Haitian people, under conditions that comply with international human rights norms and standards.”
“The reality is that, in the current context, there is no realistic alternative available to protect lives. We are simply running out of time,” Türk concluded.
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