Vladimir Paraison at the Head of the Haitian National Police: Expectations and Recommendations from Human Rights Organizations
By La Rédaction · Port-au-Prince
· 3 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 appointment of Vladimir Paraison as Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) has sparked a mix of hopes and concerns among human rights organizations. These organizations are calling on the new Commander-in-Chief to undertake deep reforms.
In a context where the police institution is going through a deep crisis, undermined by allegations of corruption, suspicions of collusion with armed groups, and a deficit of public trust, some human rights organizations remain very cautious, while others are clear: Paraison must make his mark through actions to restore the institution's trust and authority among the population.
Strong Expectations for Police Governance
Several organizations, including the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) and the Je Klere Foundation (FJKL), believe that Vladimir Paraison's primary mission must be to re-establish discipline and integrity within the PNH. For them, the population expects a police force that protects, not intimidates. The reorganization of specialized units, the fight against the infiltration of the police by criminal interests, and transparency in promotions and assignments are among the identified priorities.
In parallel, the Order of Human Rights Defenders (ORDEDH) expressed its reservations. Me Darbensky Gilbert, executive director of ORDEDH, believes that this appointment required a background check on the individual, given his history with the Haitian justice system.
The Immediate Security Challenge
In a context marked by the rise of armed gangs and the expansion of their territorial control, human rights defenders insist on the need for a clear strategy to secure vulnerable areas, accompanied by better logistical support for police stations. However, they warn: «the response must not be solely repressive. Proximity work, prevention, and community dialogue are essential to rebuild trust,» stated Alex Carlas, head of the Haitian Observatory for Law and Freedom of the Press (OHDLP).
«Furthermore, the police must be depoliticized to achieve greater effectiveness,» added Gilbert of ORDEDH, emphasizing that police strategy is often compromised by political considerations.
The Sensitive Issue of Vetting
Vetting, a process of in-depth evaluation of agents to identify and remove those involved in serious violations or acts of corruption, is considered a priority by the Haitian League for Human Rights Defense.
The LHDDH recommends:
• An exhaustive audit of personnel, with the participation of independent organizations and international experts.
• The protection of whistleblowers to encourage the reporting of internal abuses.
• Effective sanctions against agents involved in documented abuses.
According to Jemps Méralus, «Without credible and transparent vetting, any reform will remain cosmetic. A republican police force cannot be built on corrupt and compromising foundations.» A Reform Requiring Political Support and Courage Observers recall that Vladimir Paraison's success will depend not only on his ability to drive reforms but also on the genuine support of his appointing authorities, who are often accused of interfering in the internal affairs of the PNH. Human rights must not be sacrificed in the name of stability, they insist, emphasizing that fighting impunity within the police itself is a necessary step to restore order and trust.
• An exhaustive audit of personnel, with the participation of independent organizations and international experts.
• The protection of whistleblowers to encourage the reporting of internal abuses.
• Effective sanctions against agents involved in documented abuses.
According to Jemps Méralus, «Without credible and transparent vetting, any reform will remain cosmetic. A republican police force cannot be built on corrupt and compromising foundations.» A Reform Requiring Political Support and Courage Observers recall that Vladimir Paraison's success will depend not only on his ability to drive reforms but also on the genuine support of his appointing authorities, who are often accused of interfering in the internal affairs of the PNH. Human rights must not be sacrificed in the name of stability, they insist, emphasizing that fighting impunity within the police itself is a necessary step to restore order and trust.
