The forum of former Prime Ministers questions international sanctions against Haitian figures
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.— The forum of former Prime Ministers recommended the reconsideration of international sanctions applied against certain Haitian figures. In a public statement, the FAPM questions the methodology of this sanctions regime.
Through a note, the forum specifies that these sanctions can be used as an instrument of coercive diplomacy; however, they should have a legal framework. «In the case of Haiti, the observed practices raise deep concerns,» highlighted the FAPM, enumerating shortcomings such as:
1. Lack of transparency in procedures.
2. Infringement of the presumption of innocence.
3. Inability to exercise effective recourse.
4. Social and professional impact for targeted individuals.
5. Unjustified deterioration of an already fragile climate of trust. Furthermore, the forum expresses concern that these sanctions may be used for interference, especially when some targeted individuals have no proven link to criminality but actively participate in political debate. The forum therefore wishes to reiterate that the fundamental principles of international law prohibit arbitrary sanctions, highlighting Articles 6, 10, and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 14 and 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, also citing the Haitian constitution. The forum of former Prime Ministers recommends the establishment of an independent international and Haitian commission to examine sanctions on a case-by-case basis. It thus demands the temporary suspension of sanctions against individuals for whom no evidence has been established. Haiti needs a firm but just international partnership. The fight against impunity cannot be carried out at the expense of fundamental principles of justice, concludes the forum. It should be recalled that in October 2022, facing the surge of violence observed in Haiti, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2653, establishing a sanctions regime against individuals deemed responsible for this violence. The Haitian justice system has just taken action to freeze the bank accounts of targeted individuals. It was former Prime Minister Evans Paul who authenticated the document. Jean Mapou
1. Lack of transparency in procedures.
2. Infringement of the presumption of innocence.
3. Inability to exercise effective recourse.
4. Social and professional impact for targeted individuals.
5. Unjustified deterioration of an already fragile climate of trust. Furthermore, the forum expresses concern that these sanctions may be used for interference, especially when some targeted individuals have no proven link to criminality but actively participate in political debate. The forum therefore wishes to reiterate that the fundamental principles of international law prohibit arbitrary sanctions, highlighting Articles 6, 10, and 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Articles 14 and 15 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, also citing the Haitian constitution. The forum of former Prime Ministers recommends the establishment of an independent international and Haitian commission to examine sanctions on a case-by-case basis. It thus demands the temporary suspension of sanctions against individuals for whom no evidence has been established. Haiti needs a firm but just international partnership. The fight against impunity cannot be carried out at the expense of fundamental principles of justice, concludes the forum. It should be recalled that in October 2022, facing the surge of violence observed in Haiti, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2653, establishing a sanctions regime against individuals deemed responsible for this violence. The Haitian justice system has just taken action to freeze the bank accounts of targeted individuals. It was former Prime Minister Evans Paul who authenticated the document. Jean Mapou
