Talk:Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti

Relocating material from article page prior to creating a stub article. The article page should be for an article and not used as a promotional webpage. Will also post note to IJDH talk page. --Bob Burton 20:20, 22 November 2006 (EST)

Given that the following material is on the IJDH website I can't really see the point in simply duplicating it here. --Bob Burton 20:58, 22 November 2006 (EST)

IJDH's Work:

1. Working With Grassroots Organizations to Promote Human Rights In Haiti

IJDH works with grassroots groups in Haiti to help develop an effective human rights advocacy program with global outreach. In the U.S., IJDH collaborates with grassroots organizations, including faith-based, solidarity, development, and humanitarian organizations to coordinate advocacy on human rights in Haiti, and networks with solidarity and Haitian Diaspora activists throughout the world. Their work seeks to change the international environment that allows such massive disrespect for social, economic, civil and political rights to flourish.

2. Human Rights Documentation/Disseminating Accurate Information

The Institute gathers information on human rights violations in Haiti, and relays it to the international human rights community, media and grassroots groups. They work closely with others investigating human rights in Haiti, and provide training and analysis to individuals and organizations interested in Haiti, including visiting delegations. Their long collaboration with Haitian grassroots groups and their legal experience in Haiti allows them to provide consistent, credible information and analysis. Their documentation is routinely used by advocates and decision makers, and is often cited in the press. Shining a sharp spotlight on human rights abusers and their foreign support provides protection to potential victims and empowers pro-democracy advocates in Haiti.

3. Pursuing Legal Claims in Haiti and Abroad

IJDH helps victims of human rights violations pursue cases in national and international courts. In Haiti, IJDH lawyers represent political prisoners and persecuted journalists, and document cases of murder, torture and destruction of property. Outside Haiti they help prepare cases for international courts and assist in civil litigation in the U.S. This work aims to stop current human rights violations, deter future human rights violations and obtain compensation for victims of past violations.

IJDH's Half-Hour for Haiti Program

Be Part of the Solution for Haiti: Make a Difference in Half an Hour a Week

Haitians often invoke the proverb “men anpil, chay pa lou”: many hands make the load light. Haiti’s human rights problems are severe, but experience shows that collective efforts by Americans and others in powerful countries can make a real difference. IJDH's grassroots mobilizations have pried open prison doors for several political prisoners, including Fr. Gerard Jean-Juste in January 2006, and former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune in August 2006. IJDH has helped force the United Nations to admit that civilian deaths had occurred during its operations and the International Monetary Fund to let Haiti into its debt forgiveness program.

Knowing that people in powerful countries support them provides hope to political prisoners and confidence to grassroots organizers in Haiti. They appreciate sustained involvement, because they know from experience that change will not come from the Herculean efforts of a few, but from more modest but persistent efforts of many.

IJDH invites you to join many other hands each week to support justice in Haiti through its Half-Hour for Haiti program. Each Tuesday they issue an action alert that provides a concrete, educational activity to stand up for justice in Haiti. Most actions can be done anytime over the next week, and in less than 30 minutes. Some actions are from IJDH, some from our collaborators in Haiti and throughout the world. Actions include telephone, email and letter-writing campaigns, petitions, and reading especially informative reports or articles.

IJDH appreciates everyone making time in their busy schedules to stand up for Haiti, so they make it as easy as possible- their alerts include model letters, talking points, advocacy suggestions and links to background information.

To sign up for the email alerts, send an email to HalfHour4Haiti@ijdh.org, or sign up for IJDH’s email list on their website, http://www.HaitiJustice.org.