Haiti-Justice: A Practical Guide to Better Protect Victims of Sexual Violence

PORT-AU-PRINCE.— Significant progress has been made in the fight against sexual violence in Haiti. This Friday, a 'Practical Guide on Investigation Techniques for Sexual Violence for Magistrates' was validated. The initiative is led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) and the Haitian National Police (PNH), under the coordination of Judge Marthel Jean Claude.

This document, still being finalized, aims to equip magistrates, police officers, and clerks to ensure better handling of cases related to sexual violence. It proposes investigation techniques, evidence collection methods, and adapted judicial procedures. To facilitate its application, the guide is accompanied by practical fact sheets and document templates, thereby standardizing practices while strengthening victim protection.

In Haiti, sexual violence remains largely underreported. Stigmatization, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in the justice system are all obstacles for survivors, particularly in remote areas like Grande-Anse. Judge Marthel Jean Claude believes that this tool constitutes 'an essential step to break the silence and offer a path towards justice'.

The partners behind this initiative emphasize, however, that the guide alone is not enough. They insist on the importance of continuous training for judicial personnel as well as awareness campaigns for the population. The objective is to make the judicial system more accessible, more effective, and truly protective of all victims of sexual violence.

Jean Mapou