CPA Statement on Haiti

Dear CPA Members,

The Caribbean Philosophical Association stands in solidarity with the people of Haiti and firmly upholds their right to sovereignty and free democratic elections. The situation in Haiti remains a cause for global concern, as the country grapples with many challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and gang violence. Amid this turmoil, there is growing unease about the prospect of a U.N.-approved armed international intervention in the nation. Haiti's history is marred by disastrous U.N. and international interventions, most notably the MINUSTAH mission that concluded in 2017. These missions were plagued by allegations of human rights abuses, sexual exploitation, and insufficient oversight, raising serious questions about the efficacy and ethics of international involvement. The concern is compounded by the fact that the upcoming intervention will not be a U.N. operation, potentially creating a void in oversight and accountability.

A lack of U.N. oversight in the forthcoming mission underscores the importance of establishing effective mechanisms to ensure that the international forces operate in the best interests of the Haitian people, respecting their sovereignty and promoting sustainable, long-term stability. International efforts should support Haiti's aspirations for self-determination, economic development, and political stability, rather than imposing solutions from the outside. As we express our concerns about the upcoming U.N.-sanctioned intervention, any international involvement in Haiti must align with the principles of respecting national sovereignty and fostering genuine democratic governance. In this way, we hope to see a future for Haiti that is truly shaped by its people and guided by the principles of democracy and self-determination.

25 October 2023