OCNH Demands Revision of Decree on the Functioning of the High Court of Justice
By Gedeon Delva · 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
The Transitional Presidential Council adopted a decree on the functioning of the High Court of Justice on December 17, 2025. This adoption has sparked numerous reactions from both the political class and human rights organizations. This is the case for the Organization of Citizens for a New Haiti (OCNH).
In a published note, this structure, led by Me Camille Occius, sees persistent impunity regarding corruption in the country and demands the immediate revision of the text.
To support its position, the human rights organization refers to the decree of June 27, 1904. This law makes former high-ranking officials accountable to ordinary courts. The organization also highlights a violation of the current Haitian Constitution of 1987.
OCNH states that this decree contradicts the law as well as the amended 1987 Constitution.
It also points out an incompatibility with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, signed by Haiti. “The decree weakens the legal regime of sanctions related to serious crime,” the organization emphasizes, while considering this regime a major necessity of the hour. “The text promotes a dangerous desacralization of the legal framework for repression,” OCNH maintains. Finally, the Organization for a New Haiti urges the Transitional Presidential Council to act quickly. According to OCNH, the TPC must make the decree compliant with Articles 1 and 2 of the law of June 27, 1904, as well as strictly respect the Constitution and international standards ratified by Haiti. Gedeon Della
It also points out an incompatibility with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, signed by Haiti. “The decree weakens the legal regime of sanctions related to serious crime,” the organization emphasizes, while considering this regime a major necessity of the hour. “The text promotes a dangerous desacralization of the legal framework for repression,” OCNH maintains. Finally, the Organization for a New Haiti urges the Transitional Presidential Council to act quickly. According to OCNH, the TPC must make the decree compliant with Articles 1 and 2 of the law of June 27, 1904, as well as strictly respect the Constitution and international standards ratified by Haiti. Gedeon Della
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