COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Fifty-third session
3-21 August 1998

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION

Concluding observations of the Committee on the
Elimination of Racial Discrimination



Haiti

361. At its 1285th meeting, on 10 August 1998, the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Haiti based upon its previous report (CERD/C/195/Add.1) and its consideration by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.879). The Committee noted with regret that no report had been submitted to the Committee since 1989.

362. The Committee regretted that the State party had not responded to its invitations to participate in the meeting and to furnish relevant information.

363. Although the situation in Haiti has recently improved somewhat, the State party is still experiencing a political and economic crisis. Social differences are very severe and this, indeed, has generated discrimination among the population. These factors are significant obstacles to the full implementation of the Convention.

364. The Committee requests the State party to provide it with relevant information on the implementation of legislation prohibiting and sanctioning racial discrimination. It also wishes to receive updated information on emigration, on the demographic composition of the population and on measures taken to ensure that perpetrators of acts of violence related to racial discrimination are not benefiting from impunity. In view of the prolonged absence of a dialogue between the State party and the Committee, the Committee also requests information on the results of cooperation with United Nations agencies, especially in areas related to the implementation of the Convention.

365. The Committee urges the State party to resume the dialogue with the Committee as soon as possible.

366. The Committee suggests that the Government of Haiti, if it wishes, avail itself of the technical assistance offered under the advisory services and technical assistance programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the aim of drawing up and submitting as soon as possible a report drafted in accordance with the reporting guidelines.