Haiti: a nation under reconstruction

Haiti’s history resembles the histories of most of the colonized nations of the Americas. Explored by the world powers of the time, it was fought over and divided between France and Spain since its occupation by Christopher Columbus until the end of the 18th century. Following a slave-lead revolt, the country announced the abolition of slavery, the first step towards its independence in 1803.

Since then, the nation was involved in territorial disputes with the neighboring Dominican Republic and experienced a series of coups, culminating in a succession of dictators. The following years of suppression of basic rights of the population, combined with political instability, contributed to the formation of armed groups who, over the years, came to control territories, responsible for acts of violence.

In February of 2004, internal conflict culminated in the deposition of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Bonifácio Alexandre, president of the Supreme Court, assumed temporary control and requested aid from the United Nations for the conduction of democratic elections and peace building in the country.

In June of the same year, Brazilian General Augusto Heleno Ribeiro Pereira was designated commander of the United Nations Stabilization Mission, Minustah, deployed in Haiti. Recently, General Carlos Alberto dos Santos has taken over command of the troops.

Today, three years later, the nation still relies on the “blue helmets’ (as the UN troops are known) for peacekeeping, but there has been some change. In January of 2006, the nation elected René Preval president. The electoral process was not a completely smooth throughout the entire country, but was nonetheless praised by international oversight organizations for being peaceful.

There is still much to be done in Haiti. The national police depend on foreign soldiers to guarantee the population’s security, some areas still lack basic services (such as water, healthcare centers and quality education), violence against women and children must be combated and action must be taken to stem the involvement of youth in armed groups.

This dossier points out the successes in Haiti’s reconstruction and intends to contribute so that the errors become known, understood and prevented.

Read Further:

The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Minustah

American Friends Service Committee: selection of articles on Haiti

Interviews

When children are caught in the middle

With Massimo Toschi, Head of the Child Protection Unit of the Minustah.

Haiti's children can't wait

With Bertrand Njanja Fassu, Unicef Head of Child Protection in Haiti.

Stories

Police for Peace Inspector General Fritz Jean of Haiti's National Police discusses the challenges ahead.

Honor, respect and water for Bel Air

Public security also means starting with the basics, such as the provision of safe water to drink.

Haiti's peace drums

Peace agreement among local rara groups.

Stong arm, friendly hand. 

Brazilian army launches center for training in peacekeeping.