Haiti Embarks on a New Era in the Fight Against Corruption

The Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC) has officially launched national consultations for the development of a new National Anti-Corruption Strategy (SNLCC), marking a major step in Haiti's ethical and institutional recovery efforts. During a ceremony held at the Karibe Hotel this Friday, August 1st, several personalities from diplomatic, public, private, and civil society spheres gathered to open this extensive undertaking. Among them were the Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, Mr. André François Giroux, and the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Ms. Ulricka Richardson. An Inclusive and Multi-Sectoral Approach The SNLCC, whose development is led by the Director General of the ULCC, Me Hans Jacques Ludwig Joseph, mobilizes 14 public institutions united within the National Integrity System (SNI). This collaborative approach aims to strengthen transparency, integrity, and accountability in public affairs, while actively involving citizens, the private sector, political parties, and the media. These consultations also follow in the continuity of the first strategy adopted in 2009, through a resolution of the Council of Ministers, in conformity with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. However, as Me Joseph acknowledged, the initial objectives of this first version have not yet been achieved despite notable advances, such as the adoption of laws on public procurement and the repression of corruption. An Entrenched Scourge, a New Course Affirmed In his address, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Dr. Patrick Pélissier, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, emphasized that corruption continues to be a major obstacle to the country's development. He recalled that this evil, deeply rooted in the mechanisms of the state, undermines citizen trust and hinders the construction of a rule of law. The Director General of the ULCC, for his part, insisted on the scale of the challenge. Based on the results of a recent diagnostic survey, he revealed that approximately 70% of Haitian households believe that the state promotes corruption, which demonstrates the urgency of structured and effective action. International Support Welcomed The Ambassador of Canada, Mr. Giroux, reiterated that this strategy should not be seen as a mere administrative obligation, but as a collective commitment aimed at preventing, detecting, and sanctioning all forms of corruption. He reaffirmed his country's support for this initiative, which he considers a fundamental lever for restoring trust and institutional stability in Haiti. The Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Alfred Fils Métellus, indicated that the new strategy must be structured around clear objectives and concrete actions, while reflecting the Haitian state's willingness to honor its international commitments. Towards an Ambitious Anti-Corruption Policy The strategy development process will include an evaluation of the previous strategy, working sessions with the 16 components of the SNI, and colloquia with civil society to gather relevant data. The Assistant Director at the ULCC, Gassendy Calice, detailed the different stages of the process, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation and collective ownership. Following the consultation workshops, the recommendations formulated by the different sectors should allow for the production of a strategy revised every ten years, in line with the country's realities. A Strong Response to a National Emergency This new strategy aims to implement reinforced control mechanisms and governance tools adapted to the Haitian reality. It also seeks to promote a culture of probity in public administration and break the cycle of impunity. As several speakers highlighted, corruption in Haiti takes multiple forms — illicit enrichment, embezzlement, extortion, irregular public procurement — and remains a major impediment to socio-economic progress. The ULCC and its partners hope that this participatory approach will lead to a genuine public anti-corruption policy, capable of profoundly transforming practices and mindsets within Haitian institutions. Because beyond the texts, it is a new culture of governance that Haiti is called upon to build. Gesly J. Sinvilier