Fight against sexual and gender-based violence: around thirty Haitian police officers trained in investigation techniques
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 2 min read · Updated 24 April 2026
Translated from French — AI-assisted and reviewed by the editorial team. The French version is authoritative. Read the original · About our translation policy
PORT-AU-PRINCE.— A specialized training session, held from August 5 to 7, 2025, brings together around thirty police officers to focus on investigation techniques related to sexual and gender-based violence. The training is taking place at the headquarters of the PNH General Directorate in Tabarre.
In a national context marked by a resurgence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Haitian National Police (PNH) is intensifying its efforts to better protect victims and strengthen its investigative capabilities.
Organized by the National Coordination for Women's Affairs and Gender Issues (CNAFQG), this session benefits from strong technical and financial support from the Government of Canada, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).
A total of 32 police officers, including 17 women, are participating in this initiative. They come from strategic police stations such as those in Port-au-Prince, Pétion-Ville, Tabarre, Delmas, and Canapé-Vert, as well as several specialized units: the PNH General Inspectorate (IGPNH), the Minor Protection Brigade (BPM), the Sexual Crimes Unit (ULCS), the Terrestrial Border Police (POLIFRONT), and, of course, the CNAFQG itself.
The first day of training covered essential topics such as the definition of sexual violence, the Haitian legal framework on the matter, and police referral procedures. These modules aim to equip officers with concrete tools to identify, process, and document cases of violence, while also providing better reception for victims.
The session is led by recognized experts in the legal and human rights fields:
• Me Marthel Jean Claude, investigating judge at the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance
• Divisional Commissioner Marie Jeannette Bateau Salomon, Coordinator of the CNAFQG
• Ms. Medginah Lynn Alexandre, gender consultant
• Ms. Béatrice Ranoromanana, advisor at OHCHR/BINUH
• Commissioner Guetchine Alexis, PNH executive
Their participation gives this initiative an interdisciplinary and strategic character, combining legal, sociological, and institutional approaches. A step further towards a more sensitive and better-prepared police force, this training is part of an effort to professionalize and modernize police practices in Haiti. It aims to make the PNH an institution more sensitive to gender issues and better equipped to combat sexual violence, while consolidating collaboration with the international community. By focusing on continuous training and an integrated approach to security and human rights, the PNH thus intends to reaffirm its central role in protecting vulnerable populations, while promoting accessible, equitable, and responsive justice. Jean Mapou
• Me Marthel Jean Claude, investigating judge at the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance
• Divisional Commissioner Marie Jeannette Bateau Salomon, Coordinator of the CNAFQG
• Ms. Medginah Lynn Alexandre, gender consultant
• Ms. Béatrice Ranoromanana, advisor at OHCHR/BINUH
• Commissioner Guetchine Alexis, PNH executive
Their participation gives this initiative an interdisciplinary and strategic character, combining legal, sociological, and institutional approaches. A step further towards a more sensitive and better-prepared police force, this training is part of an effort to professionalize and modernize police practices in Haiti. It aims to make the PNH an institution more sensitive to gender issues and better equipped to combat sexual violence, while consolidating collaboration with the international community. By focusing on continuous training and an integrated approach to security and human rights, the PNH thus intends to reaffirm its central role in protecting vulnerable populations, while promoting accessible, equitable, and responsive justice. Jean Mapou
