After the almost complete breakdown of Haitian authorities, the Caribbean country is rapidly moving towards becoming a failed state. So far, all attempts to restore security were futile, and criminal gangs remain in control with deadly violence spreading around Port-au-Prince causing displacement and destruction. How to ensure human rights protection in a collapsing state, how to eventually restore peace and security? William O’Neill will provide first-hand information about the ongoing conflict and insights on efforts by the international community to restore peace and security and protect human rights in Haiti.
Discussant: William O’Neill, UN expert on human rights in Haiti William O’Neill, following a request by the Human Rights Council, was designated by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in April 2023 as expert on human rights in Haiti and his mandate was renewed in 2024 for another year. He is a US lawyer specializing in humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, with longstanding experience on establishing and maintaining the rule of law in post-conflict situations.
Moderation: Bernadette Holzer, Empowerment for Peace (NGO)
Organised by: European Training and Research Centre for Human Rights and Democracy
With the support of: Centre for Inter-American Studies
13th May 2023 | 17:30 SZ 15.22, G2 RESOWI-Zentrum, University of Graz Universitätsstraße 15, 8010 Graz